Methods of and systems for controlling access to networked devices provided with machine-readable codes scanned by mobile phones and computing devices

ABSTRACT

A multi-level machine-readable code system and method deployed in an environment supported by a wireless access control system network. The multi-level machine-readable code system including multi-level codes including facility-level codes, site-level codes and device-level codes, that are scanned by mobile computing devices such as mobile smart phones to initiated web-based e-commerce-enabled transactions that allow guest users to select and rent the particular networked devices available for rental and use within a facility, such as, for example, storage lockers, strollers, EVCs, wheelchairs and the like at a site selected within the environment. The wireless access and control system network can automatically assign an available device to the guest user at the selected site. When the guest reads the device-level machine-readable code on a device available for rental at a site, the wireless control access network also enables the guest users to scan the code and rent the device at the selected site and automatically control access to the rented device at the selected site, for access and use in the environment.

RELATED CASES

The present Patent Application is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of co-pending: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/990,381 filed Aug. 11, 2020, which is commonly owned by Safemark Systems, L.P. and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of amusement park, theme park and recreational environments, and more particularly, to new and improved methods of and apparatus for guest visitors to rent, access, and control storage lockers and mobility devices such as electric convenience vehicles (ECVs), wheelchairs and strollers, and related services, without compromising the park or venue experience.

Brief Description of the State of the Art of Knowledge

Since 2008, Safemark Systems L.P. has offered its GoPod® electronic locker system to amusement and theme parks around the world. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the GoPod® electronic locker system has its own locally-controlled inventory system, and supported by its own POS/payment transaction system. The GoPod® locker system is networked with flexibly placed guest kiosks so that payment queue lines do not interfere with guests accessing their lockers. Each GoPod® electronic locker unit is provided with a dedicated keypad on its locker door to bypass the kiosk during future access. To rent a locker rental using the prior art GOPOD® electronic locker system, a guest simply visits any networked GoPod® kiosk. Using cash or credit card, a guest user enters their desired PIN at the GoPod® Kiosk, and then goes directly to their locker to use it. FIG. 2 shows the green, red and yellow indicator lights supported on each prior art GoPod® electronic locker, visibly signaling to the user the status of the assigned locker. The locker keypad eliminates operational nightmares associated with costly wristbands or RFID keys, unreliable biometric sensors and misplaced keys. It also provides direct access to their stored personal belongings even when there is a local power and/or Internet disruption at the locker system.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a prior art system from U.S. Pat. No. 8,990,110 (assigned to Best Lockers LLC) which is used to assigned controlled access to a securable device (e.g. locker) using a kiosk configured to receive a PIN number from the user, which is then stored in rented locker for local access to the locker even when the locker is disconnected from the network. This invention, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,990,110, is currently used in Safemark's Best Locker GOPOD® electronic locker system described above.

Recently, prior art efforts have been made to use mobile smartphones to control access to networked locker systems around the world.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, US Patent Application No. US2019/0035186 discloses the use of a guest's mobile phone to send kiosk/locker data to the management server via a cell tower network, while directly controlling access to the locker, via a local locker computer device controlling the electronic lock installed in the accessed locker.

Also, FIGS. 5A through 5C show a prior art locker system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,558,608 (assigned to Smarte Carte, Inc.) that includes electronic lockers that are centrally managed by a locker manager that handles admissions and sales for a venue. As disclosed, guests scan their ID codes at the locker terminal (kiosk terminal) and provide the scanned codes to ID code to the locker manager, and when approved, generates a rental plan and provided the guest access to the assigned locker.

FIGS. 6A through 6D show a prior art storage locker system in U.S. Pat. No. 10,474,797 (assigned to Tiburon Lockers Inc.) that includes (i) a kiosk to assign locker units to users and provide users with access credentials (e.g. via text or SMS messages or applications on a computer) to access assigned lockers, and (ii) a user portal for each locker unit to access the locker using assigned access credentials.

Also, it is well known to use mobile code symbol scanning terminals to initiate e-commerce and other kinds of web-based transactions by reading code symbols, as recognized by U.S. Pat. No. 7,341,191 to Russell et al, titled “Internet-Based System for Enabling Information-Related Transactions over the Internet” granted on Mar. 11, 2008. As disclosed, this US Patent disclosed a transaction-enabling method and system, wherein a transaction-enabling Java-Applet was embedded within an HTML-encoded document stored in an HTTP server at predetermined URL. When a code symbol (e.g., magstripe or bar code) encoded with the URL is read using a code symbol reader interfaced with a Java-enabled Internet terminal, the corresponding HTTP document is automatically accessed and displayed at the terminal, and the transaction-enabling Java-Applet initiated for execution, so that the customer, consumer or client desiring the transaction can simply and conveniently conduct the information-related transaction over the Internet. While the promise of such general techniques has been great, success at using mobile scanning techniques has been generally limited to a few industries focused on document production and delivery, and not access and control of physical, electronic and photonic systems.

Thus despite some advances made in the locker access and control field over the past decade, there is a still a great need in the art for new and improved mobile methods and technologies for enabling guest users to remotely access and control useful things, using web-enabled mobile smartphones in ways that deliver greater levels of convenience and value to consumers beyond that enabled by the current state of the art.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF PRESENT INVENTION

Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved cloud-based (i.e. Internet-based) wireless access control wireless system network employing mobile smartphones in diverse application environments, including amusement and theme parks, entertainment centers, recreational facilities and the like, supporting the rental, access and control of storage lockers, mobility solutions and other guest services, to overcome the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art systems and methodologies.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control wireless system network, wherein multi-level machine-readable codes (e.g. multi-level facility-level QR codes, site-level QR codes and device-level QR codes) are deployed across the entire enterprise of the facility to support the contact-less procurement and provision of diverse kinds of valuable products and services to guests and visitors, anywhere within the environment, on a prepayment basis, when simply using their mobile smartphones.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a new and improved wireless system network, mobile systems and methods for controlling access to storage lockers, electric convenience vehicles, strollers, wheelchairs, and other things operating within the Internet infrastructure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a new and improved wireless system network, wherein multi-level QR codes are embedded at the facility, site, and device (i.e. thing) level of the park environment to enable park guests, visitors and other system users to procure, access and receive storage, mobility and other valuable products and services while visiting an amusement park environment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of mapping multi-level QR codes to particular entry points in transaction workflows supported on the wireless system network, and designed to support procurement and delivery of services to an amusement park, tourist, or adventure seeking environment, wherein (i) Facility-Level QR codes are mapped to facility-level entry points in the transactional workflow and posted/displayed at physical and virtual locations outside of amusement park facility, (ii) Site-Level QR codes are mapped to site-level entry points in the transactional workflow and posted/displayed at physical point of rental or point-of-sale (POS) Site locations within the amusement park facility or within a facility but not located near the item to be rented, and (iii) Device/Thing-Level QR codes are mapped to device-level (e.g. locker door level, stroller handle level, and electric vehicle dashboard level) entry points in the transactional workflow and posted/displayed on actual physical surfaces and/or touchpoints located at diverse Sites within the amusement park facility;

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved System of Multi-Level QR Codes having a hierarchy comprising (i) Door-Level QR Codes intelligently encoded with data attributes including facility (park), site, door, type (e.g. timed/daily), size, and pricing and URL directed to a first server component supported on the wireless system network of the present invention, (ii) Site-Level QR Codes intelligently encoded with data attributes including facility (park), site, type (e.g. timed/daily), size options, the pricing for each size and type options, and inventory status of each type and option, and URL directed to a second server component supported on the wireless system network of the present invention, and (iii) Facility-Level QR Codes intelligently encoded with data attributes including facility (park), sites rendered as choices, types (e.g. timed/daily), size options, and the pricing for each size and type options, and URL directed to a third server component supported on the wireless system network of the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cloud-based GPS-tracking QR code driven wireless system network configured for procurement and access control of storage lockers, mobility solutions and other services offered within an enterprise-level amusement park facility, shown comprising: a system of GNSS satellites orbiting around the Earth, GPS-tracked wireless networked lockers, GPS-tracked wireless networked vehicles (e.g. ECVs, wheelchairs, and strollers alike), GPS-tracked service providers, GPS-tracked vendors, and other diverse types of GPS-tracked wireless networked securable devices, each being interfaced with a TCP/IP infrastructure directly, and/or via a facility-based Internet Gateway; a network of cellular towers for supporting wireless data communication services between wireless mobile computing devices and network communication adapters; a plurality of wireless mobile computing systems (e.g. smartphones, tablet computers, etc.); one or more industrial strength data centers, each supporting a cluster of communication servers (e.g. web servers), a cluster of application servers, and a cluster of database servers, and SMS/text and email servers supported by at least one wide area network (WAN), and local weather servers, and network service platforms including electronic payment systems and services, credit card processing, and the universe of webservers supported on the WWW;

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracking wireless system network supporting remote access control to (i) GPS-tracked wireless networked locker systems displaying Device-Level QR Codes for procurement and access control by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones, (ii) GPS-tracked wireless networked strollers displaying Device-Level QR Codes for procurement and access control by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones, (iii) GPS-tracked wireless networked electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) displaying Device-Level QR Codes for procurement and access control guests by scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones, (iv) GPS-tracked wireless networked amusement park rides (e.g. Sites) posting/displaying Site-Level QR Codes for access to the park's storage and mobility service transactional workflow by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones, (v) GPS-tracked wireless networked Service Providers and Vendors (e.g. Sites) posting/displaying Site-Level QR Codes for access to the park's service transactional workflow by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones, and (vi) GPS-tracked wireless networked Amusement Park Facility (e.g. Facility) posting/displaying Facility-Level QR Codes for access to the park's storage and mobility service transactional workflow by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracking wireless locker access control system network comprising a plurality of GPS-tracked wireless networked locker systems, and system network components interfaced with an TCP/IP Internet infrastructure, namely: electronic payment systems, locker inventory systems, stroller inventory systems, electric convenience vehicle (ECV) inventory system, mobile computing systems, GPS-tracking wireless networked ECVs bearing device-level QR codes, GPS-tracked wireless networked strollers bearing device-level QR codes, GPS-tracked wireless networked venues of service providers and/or vendors operating in the park facility, bearing site-level QR codes, wireless networked geo-fencing systems installed in the amusement park to support the vendors and service providers operating in the amusement park facility using wireless networked services, and web, application and database servers associated with the data centers deployed to support the services required by the system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracked wireless networked mobile/stationary locker system having a plurality of wireless networked locker units, each locker unit being accessible by scanning the multi-level QR code posted or displayed on the locker unit, using a web-enabled mobile smartphone deployed in the system network, and carrying out the transaction supported on the display screen of the mobile smartphone.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracked wireless networked transportable locker system with QR code driven access control, comprising a group of electronically-controlled locker units that are internetworked together in a transportable GPS-tracked cabinet, that can be locally managed by a networked kiosk server system, and/or remotely managed by network servers maintained in a cloud-based data center, under any of a large variety of case providing unprecedented flexibility, convenience and migration options for system users.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracked wireless networked transportable locker, comprising a group or bank of networked locker units are networked together and managed/manageable by the kiosk server system using Ethernet or other communication networking protocols, while the manual keypads and PIN storage memory on each locker unit are in communication with kiosk server system using a serial-to-UDP/IP communication network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless system network where mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to a first system networking configuration, where a local kiosk server system is used to manage groups of locker units at a specific site location in a facility and locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases in the local kiosk server system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless system network where mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to a second system networking configuration, where local kiosk server systems are networked together and used to manage groups of locker units at specific site locations in specific facilities, and locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases synchronized in local kiosk server systems and cloud-based network servers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless system network where mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to a third system networking configuration, where a local kiosk server system is used to manage a groups of locker units at a specific site location in a specific facility, and locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases in local kiosk server systems and cloud-based network servers that are automatically data synchronized.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless system network where mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to a fourth system networking configuration, where a local kiosk server system is not employed to manage groups of local locker units at a site location in a specific facility, and all locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases in cloud-based network servers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless system network where mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to a fifth system networking configuration, where locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in local kiosk database servers, local internet and/or electrical power is interrupted at a site and the guest's mobile phone uses Bluetooth RF communication with a specific locker unit to communicate the PIN code to locker and open the door of a rented locker and retrieve personal belongings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless system network where mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to a sixth system networking configuration, where locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in local kiosk database servers, local internet and/or electrical power is interrupted at a site and the guest's mobile phone uses local WIFI supported at the local kiosk server system to establish a WIFI communication link between the mobile smartphone and the local kiosk server system to rent a new locker unit and store the user's PIN code in the locker unit, then open the door of a rented locker and store personal belongings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless system network where mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to a seventh system networking configuration, where locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in cloud database servers, local internet and/or electrical power is interrupted at a site, and a guest's mobile phone uses Bluetooth RF to communicate with the rented networked locker unit and enter the PIN code to open the locker door and retrieve personal belongings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system comprising a system of wireless networked locker units internetworked together at the cabinet/bank-level by a low-power wireless personal area network (WPAN) (e.g. the IEEE 802.15.4 Standard), and each wireless networked locker system comprises the following components integrated about a system bus, namely, a programmed microprocessor interfaced to the system bus and supported by a memory architecture (e.g. RAM, ROM, and SSD persistent storage), a network controller for interfacing with the TCP/IP infrastructure, a solenoid driver circuit connected to a lock solenoid and bolt assembly and locker door, a keypad and E-ink display panel and Bluetooth/WIFI interfaced with the system bus via an I/O module interface, a digital video camera with a field of view (FOV) and interfaced with the system bus, a GPS module interfaced with the system bus, and a door-level QR code displayed in the outer door surface or electronically displayed on the E-ink panel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracked wireless networked electric convenience vehicle (ECVs) with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracked wireless networked electric convenience vehicle (ECV) with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network.

Another object is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller with Q code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network to support Contactless Transactions for a quick and safe guest rental experience, Web-based Application initiated by QR code provides easy to use platform without need for app installation, SMS Receipt Message for guest convenience and personalized rental confirmation, Mobile Payment to reduce cash handling and labor costs, GPS-enabled fleet review and management, rider instructions for use of vehicle, and fleet reporting.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved a GPS-tracked wireless networked wheel chair with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved a GPS-tracked wireless networked wheel chair with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system with QR code-driven access controlled locker units, each having an electronic-ink (E-ink) display panel for displaying QR codes and user instructions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of managing access control to a networked locker system by scanning facility-level QR codes posted at the entrance gate or outside of an amusement park facility, using a mobile smartphone wireless connected to the wireless access control system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved amusement park facility, with a sign posted at the entrance date of the park, displaying a Facility-Level QR code which upon scanning with a web-enabled mobile smartphone is engineered to direct the guest user to a web-based e-commerce-enabled locker rental and access control transaction having the largest scope of services, encapsulating the entire facility, and allowing guest users to select a Site location of choice within the amusement park for their locker rental within the amusement park, and then allow the wireless system network to automatically assign an available locker to the guest at the selected Site.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of managing access control to a networked locker system involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone for scanning facility-level QR codes posted at the entrance gate or outside of an amusement park facility, using a mobile smartphone wireless connected to the wireless access control system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a facility-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone for (i) scanning a Facility-Level QR Code, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application (e.g. Apple Safari) to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Facility-Level QR Code, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Facility Entry” (RTI-FE) within the cache on the mobile smartphone.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a facility-level access control method involving the selection of which Site within the Facility (e.g. amusement park) (e.g. Main Gate, South Entrance, or Picnic Area) where the guest user would like to rent and access a storage locker to store personal belongings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a facility-level access control method involving the selection of time/date of the locker rental at the Site within the Facility when would the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a facility-level access control method involving the selection of locker size (e.g. small, large, jumbo) at the selected Site within the Facility which the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a facility-level access control method involving the guest user requesting to rent the locker previously specified by the site, time/date, and locker size selected by the guest within the Facility, while displaying the price of the locker rental and availability at the time of the rental offer (prior to acceptance and order placement).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a facility-level access control method involving the user's selection of four-digit passcode for use in opening the rental locker, and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in the RDBMS of the wireless access control system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a facility-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone to display the selected locker size and user passcode, and involving entering the guest's phone number to which the system network will transmit locker information and rental receipt via SMS/text once the user enters the phone number information and selects SAVE and CONTINUE, to initiate the web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported locker access control servers maintained at the data center.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method after scanning a facility-level QR code involving (i) the scanning of the Door-Level QR code on the rented locker using the user's web-enabled mobile smartphone, (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Door-Level QR Code, and (iii) executing the access control transaction script for the locker rental transaction identified by the “Rental Transaction Identifier-Facility Entry” stored on the phone by the application servers, so as to determine the state of the transaction for the Door-Level Access Control Method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone to display a message that the “Locker Is in Use”, and requesting the user to enter his or her unique 4 digital passcode, and the select the button “OPEN MY LOCKER”.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone displaying, after scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message that the locker is OPEN, and upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code, allowing the user to either store personal belongings in the storage locker or access stored personal belongings from the accessed locker.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of managing access control to a networked locker system involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone to scan site-level QR codes posted at a particular Site in an amusement park facility, using a mobile smartphone wireless connected to the wireless access control system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved amusement park facility, with a sign posted at a Site in the park, displaying a Site-Level QR code, which upon scanning with a web-enabled mobile smartphone is engineered to direct the guest user to a web-based e-commerce-enabled locker rental and access control transaction having a narrowed scope of services within the facility, and allowing guest users to select a storage locker, mobility solution or other service at the Site within the amusement park, and then allow the wireless system network to automatically assign an available locker, mobility solution or service to the guest at the selected Site.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a site-level access control method involving (i) the scanning of a Site-Level QR Code, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Site-Level QR Code, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Site-Entry” (RTI-SE) within the cache on the mobile smartphone.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a site-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone and the selection of time/date of the locker rental at the Site within the Facility when would the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a site-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone and the selection of locker size (e.g. small, large, jumbo) at the selected Site within the Facility which the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a site-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone and the user's selection of four-digit passcode for use in opening the rental locker, and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in a database of the wireless access control system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a site-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone displaying the selected locker size and user passcode, and involving entering the guest's phone number to which the system network will transmit locker information and rental receipt via SMS/text once the user enters the phone number information and selects SAVE and CONTINUE, to initiate the web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported locker access control servers, maintained at the data center.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a site-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone displaying the selected locker size, entered passcode, text receipt phone number, and total price of the locker rental (tax included), and providing several options for the user to make payment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a site-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone displaying, after the prior payment transaction has been successfully completed, a message indicating that the locker is ready for use, along with the selected locker # and user's passcode, and a button enabled to open the locker at its location, by the user simply either scanning the door-level QR code on the locker door, or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad (where and as provided).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method after scanning a site-level QR code, by scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, and displaying a message that the locker is OPEN (and “upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code”), and an END RENTAL Button for selection by the user to the end the locker rental.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method, after scanning a site-level QR code, involving (i) the scanning of the Door-Level QR code on the rented locker using the user's web-enabled mobile smartphone, (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Door-Level QR Code, and (iii) executing the access control transaction script for the locker rental transaction identified by the “Rental Transaction Identifier-Site Entry” stored on the phone by the application servers, so as to determine the state of the transaction for the Door-Level Access Control Method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone displaying a message that the “Locker Is in Use”, and requesting the user to enter his or her unique multi-digit digital passcode, and the select the button “OPEN MY LOCKER”.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method displaying a message asking the user (i) whether or not the user is “Done for the Day?”, in which case the user will no longer have access to the locker rental and all belongings should be removed from the locker before ending the locker rental, or (ii) whether or not the user wishes to continue using the locker for storage of personal belongings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone displaying, after scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message stating that the locker is OPEN, and upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code”, allowing the user to either store personal belongings in the storage locker or access stored personal belongings from the accessed locker, and the message further providing an END RENTAL Button for selection by the user to the end the locker rental.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of managing access control to a networked locker system by scanning Door-Level QR Codes posted or displayed on the front door of each storage locker deployed within an amusement park or other recreational facility, using a mobile smartphone wireless connected to the wireless access control system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved amusement park or recreational facility, with a locker cabinet located at sign posted at a Site in the park, and each locker unit in the cabinet displaying a Door-Level QR code which, upon scanning with a web-enabled mobile smartphone, is engineered to direct the guest user to a web-based e-commerce-enabled locker rental, access and control transaction having a narrowed scope of services within the facility, and allowing guest users to rent the storage locker at the Site within the park, and then allow the wireless system network to automatically control access to the locker at the Site.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone and (i) the scanning of a Door-Level QR Code, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Site-Level QR Code, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Door-Entry” (RTI-DE) within the cache on the mobile smartphone.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone, and selection of the “Rent This Locker” Button to rent the scanned and selected locker for a specific time/date (e.g. All Day Locker Rental), given its specified size and rental price at the Site within the Facility.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone, and selection of four-digit passcode for use in opening the rental locker, and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in the RDBMS of the wireless access control system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method initiated by scanning a door-level QR code posted on the locker door, automating serving to the user's web-enabled mobile phone a GUI screen displaying the selected locker size and user passcode, and requesting the entry of the guest's phone number to which the system network will transmit locker information and rental receipt via SMS/text once the user enters the phone number information and selects SAVE and CONTINUE, thereby initiating a web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported locker access control servers maintained at a data center connected to the infrastructure of the Internet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method displaying a message on the user's web-enabled mobile phone, the selected locker size, entered passcode, text receipt phone number, and total price of the locker rental (tax included), and providing several options for the user to make payment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method displaying, after the prior payment transaction has been successfully completed, a message on the user's web-enabled mobile phone that the locker is ready, along with the selected locker # and user's passcode, and a Button enabled to “Open My Locker” at its location by the user simply either scanning the door-level QR code on the locker door, or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method displaying, after scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message that the locker is OPEN, and upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code, and an END RENTAL Button for selection by the user to the end the locker rental.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone, after scanning a door-level QR code on a rented locker, (i) the rescanning of the Door-Level QR code, (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Door-Level QR Code, and (iii) executing the access control transaction script for the locker rental transaction identified by the “Rental Transaction Identifier-Door Entry” stored on the phone by the application servers, so as to determine the state of the transaction for the Door-Level Access Control Method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone to display a message that (i) the “Locker Is in Use”, and requesting the user to enter his or her unique 4 digital passcode and then select the button “OPEN MY LOCKER”, and (ii) if the scanned locker is not the guest's rented locker, then the user should look for a locker with a GREEN light indicating it is available for rental.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone displaying, after scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message indicating (i) that the “Locker is Open”, and upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code” allowing the user to either store personal belongings in the storage locker or access stored personal belongings from the accessed locker, as the case may be, and (ii) that an END RENTAL Button is displayed and active for selection by the user to the end the locker rental transaction at the Site of the Facility.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone displaying a message asking the user (i) whether or not the user is “Done for the Day?”, in which case the user will no longer have access to the locker rental and all belongings should be removed from the locker before ending the locker rental, or (ii) whether or not the user wishes to continue using the locker for storage of personal belongings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a door-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone displaying a message indicating and confirming the user ended the locker rental, and the user should remove all belongings from the locker before closing the locker.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network, wherein an internal automated locker camera is provided within a rented locker, and when the locker camera automatically detects one or more objects are present in the locker, then the access control system network will prevent the user from terminating the locker rental until all objects have been removed from the locker as confirmed by camera images captured by the internal locker camera.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine-readable code-driven access control method and system, wherein, during emergencies, when electrical power and/or Internet connectivity are disrupted, the system and method of the present invention allows the guest user to directly enter his or her digital password (e.g. PIN) into the keypad provided on the rented locker unit, and locally operate its lock controller (provided with local battery power backup) and where the digital password is stored in local memory of the locker unit, by the system network servers within the data center during the web-based rental, access and control method, thereby allowing the guest to unlock the electronically-controlled lock unit in locker unit, and open the locker door and access one's personal belongings while the locker system is disconnected from the Internet infrastructure and/or during local power disruptions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine-readable code-driven access control method and system, wherein , during emergencies, when electrical power and/or Internet connectivity are disrupted, the system and method of the present invention also allows the guest user to locally communicate with the locker controller, through its network adapter and antennas (e.g. using Bluetooth and/or WIFI protocols), to establish a communication session between the mobile smartphone and the rented locker unit, and then enter the guest's digital locker password (i.e. PIN) via the virtual keypad (GUI screen) on the mobile smartphone, to locally operate its lock controller (provided with local battery power backup), and where the digital password is stored in local memory of the locker unit, by the system network servers within the data center during the web-based rental, access and control method, thereby allowing the guest to unlock the electronically-controlled lock unit of a rented locker unit, and open the locker door and access one's personal belongings while the locker system is disconnected from the Internet infrastructure and/or during local power disruptions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of managing access control to a GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone for scanning Device-Level QR Codes posted or displayed on the stroller available for rental, controlled access and use within the amusement park facility, using a mobile smartphone wireless connected to the wireless access control system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller supporting a Device-Level QR Code, wherein users are allowed to directly scan the stroller Device-Level QR code they wish to rent, and intelligence regarding the stroller Model, Price, Site, and Facility are effectively built into the Device-Level QR Code so that users can enjoy an expedited rental experience.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a device-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone for (i) scanning a Device-Level QR Code on an available GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Device-Level QR Code, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Device-Entry” (RTI-DE) within the cache on the mobile smartphone.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a device-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone in selecting the “Rent This Stroller” Button to rent the scanned and selected stroller for a specific time/date (e.g. All Day Rental), given its specified stroller size, and rental price, at the Site within the Facility.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a device-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone during data entry of the user's full name and phone number for use in opening the rental locker, and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in the RDBMS of the wireless access control system network;

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a device-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone when displaying the rental terms for the stroller (e.g. one day rider only, to remain seated, always keep hands and feet inside stroller, slow speed for turns, do not exceed stroller weight limits, and do not leave valuable in an unintended stroller) to be checked by the user/renter, and then selecting CONFIRM and CONTINUE, to initiate the web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported stroller access control servers, maintained at the data center.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a device-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone for displaying the selected stroller size, renter information, rental terms, and total price of the stroller rental (tax included), and providing several options for the user to make payment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a device-level access control method involving the user's web-enabled mobile phone for displaying, after a prior payment transaction has been successfully completed, a message that the stroller is ready, along with a Button enabled to “Unlock My Stroller” by the user simply clicking on the UNLOCK STROLLER Button, and a message indicating to lock the stroller, press the foot brake down and press down on the red handle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless access control system network supporting a device-level access control method involving on the user's web-enabled mobile phone for displaying a message that the stroller is UNLOCKED, and to roll the stroller, the user must lift the brake bar with his or her foot before starting to push the stroller.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracked two-sided locker system deployed at a wireless networked system, wherein each GPS-tracked wireless networked locker unit is access controlled and managed using Door-Level QR code.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracking wireless networked access control system network supporting the automated display of notifications, directions and digital mobile facility maps on the display screens of mobile smart phones of guests visiting an amusement park.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of delivering notifications, offers and digital maps to mobile smartphones of guest visitors within an amusement park environment using a GPS-tracked wireless system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wireless network, systems and methods for controlling access to things provided with machine-readable codes linked to electronic commerce transactions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved double-sided wireless networked retail storage locker system enabling customers to retrieve purchased items from the lockers in a contactless manner using mobile phones and the wireless access control system network, wherein a backstage loading area of the retail locker system enables loading of purchased items on specified lockers, and a guest area is provided on the opposite side, where consumers can retrieve purchased items from lockers containing their purchased goods by reading door-level QR codes using their web-enabled mobile phones in a touchless manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved double-sided wireless networked retail storage locker system for contactless purchased item retrieval, integrated within the cloud-based GPS-tracking wireless access control system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of purchasing products at an online e-commerce and/or brick and mortar retail store and thereafter retrieving in a contactless manner the purchased product items stored within a double-sided wireless networked retail locker system installed at the retail store or its order fulfillment center.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved GPS-tracking wireless access control system network supporting the offering and delivering of goods and services to consumer's using rented/access-controlled things GPS-tracked within a GPS-tracking wireless access control system network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of delivering products and services to a guest visitor who has rented a GPS-tracked thing for use within an amusement park or recreational environment using a mobile smartphone to scan device-level QR code on the GPS-tracked thing being tracked within a GPS-tracked wireless access control system network.

These and other objects will become more apparent hereinafter in view of the Detailed Description and pending Claims to Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully understand the Objects, the following Detailed Description of the illustrative embodiments should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a prior art GOPOD® electronic locker system, wherein for locker rental, guests simply visit any networked GOPOD® kiosk using cash or credit card, enter their desired PIN, and go directly to their locker, and wherein a dedicated keypad is installed on each locker allowing guests to bypass the kiosk for future access, thereby (i) eliminating operational nightmares associated with costly wristbands or RFID keys, unreliable biometric sensors and misplaced keys, (ii) reducing employee cash handling, and (iii) streamlining operations;

FIG. 2 is a table showing the green, red and yellow indicator lights supported on each prior art GOPOD® electronic locker, visibly signaling to the user the status of the assigned locker, what operations to conduct and when;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a prior art system in U.S. Pat. No. 8,990,110 (assigned to Best Lockers LLC) for assigning controlled access to a securable device (e.g. locker) using a kiosk configured to receive a PIN number from the user which is then stored in rented locker for local access to the locker even when the locker is disconnected from the network;

FIG. 4 is a system network diagram of the prior art system in FIGS. 3A through 3C, disclosed in US Patent Application No. US2019/0035186, showing the mobile phone of a guest sending kiosk/locker data to the management server via a cell tower network, while directly controlling access to the locker via a local locker computer device controlling the electronic lock installed in the accessed locker, as generally employed in Safemark's GoPod® electronic locker system;

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show a prior art locker system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,558,608 (assigned to Smarte Carte, Inc.) that includes electronic lockers that are centrally managed by a locker managed that handles admissions and sales for a venue, and wherein guests scan their ID codes at the locker terminal (kiosk terminal) and provide the scanned codes to ID code to the locker manager, and when approved, generates a rental plan and provided the guest access to the assigned locker;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D show a prior art storage locker system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,474,797 (assigned to Tiburon Lockers Inc.) that includes (i) a kiosk to assign locker units to users and provide users with access credentials (e.g. via text or SMS messages or applications on a computer) to access assigned lockers, and (ii) a user portal for each locker unit to access the locker using assigned access credentials;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustrating providing a global view of an amusement park facility supported by the cloud-based Quick Response (QR) code driven wireless system network supporting storage lockers, mobility solutions and other guest services in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein multi-level QR codes (e.g. facility-level QR codes, site-level QR codes and device-level QR codes) are deployed across the entire amusement park facility (i.e. enterprise) to support the contact-less procurement and provision of diverse kinds of valuable services to park guests and visitors, anywhere within the park environment, when simply using their mobile (smart) phones;

FIG. 8A shows a schematic representation of an amusement park facility, which the system of multi-level QR codes of the present invention are embedded at the facility, site, and device (i.e. thing) level of the park environment to enable park guests, visitors and other system users to procure, access and receive storage, mobility and other valuable products and services while visiting an amusement park environment;

FIG. 8B shows a schematic representation illustrating the mapping of multi-level QR codes to particular entry points in transaction workflows designed to support procurement and delivery of services to an amusement park, tourist, or adventure seeking environment, wherein (i) Facility-Level QR codes are mapped to facility-level entry points in the transactional workflow and posted/displayed at physical and virtual locations outside of amusement park facility, (ii) Site-Level QR codes are mapped to site-level entry points in the transactional workflow and posted/displayed at physical Site locations within the amusement park facility, and (iii) Device-Level QR codes are mapped to device-level (e.g. locker door level) entry points in the transactional workflow and posted/displayed on actual physical locker doors located at Sites within the amusement park facility.

FIG. 8C is a table setting forth rule-based triggers that are employed for automated re-direction of transactional workflow upon automated detection thereof during the QR driven access control processes executing on system servers of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a table showing the Multi-Level QR Code Hierarchy comprising (i) Door-Level QR Codes intelligently encoded with data attributes including facility (park), site, door, type (e.g. timed/daily), size, and pricing and URL directed to a first server component supported on the wireless system network of the present invention, (ii) Site-Level QR Codes intelligently encoded with data attributes including facility (park), site, type (e.g. timed/daily), size options, the pricing for each size and type options, and inventory status of each type and option, and URL directed to a second server component supported on the wireless system network of the present invention, and (iii) Facility-Level QR Codes intelligently encoded with data attributes including facility (park), sites rendered as choices, types (e.g. timed/daily), size options, and the pricing for each size and type options, and URL directed to a third server component supported on the wireless system network of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic system block diagram of the cloud-based (i.e. Internet-based) GPS-tracking wireless access control system network of the present invention configured for procurement and access control of storage lockers, mobility solutions and other services offered within an enterprise-level amusement park facility, shown comprising: a system of GNSS satellites orbiting around the Earth, GPS-tracked wireless networked lockers, GPS-tracked wireless networked vehicles (e.g. ECVs, wheelchairs, and strollers alike), GPS-tracked service providers, GPS-tracked vendors, and other diverse types of GPS-tracked wireless networked securable devices, each being interfaced with a TCP/IP infrastructure directly, and/or via a facility-based Internet Gateway; a network of cellular towers for supporting wireless data communication services between wireless mobile computing devices and network communication adapters; a plurality of wireless mobile computing systems (e.g. smartphones, tablet computers, etc.); one or more industrial strength data centers, each supporting a cluster of communication servers (e.g. web servers), a cluster of application servers, and a cluster of database servers, and SMS/text and email servers supported by at least one wide area network (WAN), and local weather servers, and network service platforms including electronic payment systems and services, credit card processing, and the universe of web servers supported on the WWW;

FIG. 11 is a schematic system diagram of the cloud-based GPS-tracking wireless access control system network of the present invention depicted in FIG. 10, showing, in greater detail, (i) GPS-tracked wireless networked locker systems with remote access control and bearing Device-Level QR Codes for procurement and access control by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones, (ii) GPS-tracked wireless networked strollers with remote security control and bearing Device-Level QR Codes for procurement and access control by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones, (iii) GPS-tracked wireless networked electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) with remote security control and bearing Device-Level QR Codes for procurement and access control guests by scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones, (iv) GPS-tracked wireless networked amusement park rides (e.g. Sites) with remote security control and posting/displaying Site-Level QR Codes for access to the park's storage and mobility service transactional workflow by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones, (v) GPS-tracked wireless networked Service Providers and Vendors (e.g. Sites) with remote security control and posting/displaying Site-Level QR Codes for access to the park's service transactional workflow by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones, and (vi) GPS-tracked wireless networked Amusement Park Facility (e.g. Facility) with remote security control and posting/displaying Facility-Level QR Codes for access to the park's storage and mobility service transactional workflow by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones;

FIG. 12 is a schematic system block diagram of the cloud-based GPS-tracking wireless access control system network of the present invention, with other aspects thereof depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, and showing the system subcomponents of its GPS-tracked wireless networked locker systems, and other system network components interfaced with its TCP/IP Internet infrastructure, namely: electronic payment systems, locker inventory systems, stroller inventory systems, electric convenience vehicle (ECV) inventory system, mobile computing systems, GPS-tracking wireless networked ECVs bearing device-level QR codes, GPS-tracked wireless networked strollers bearing device-level QR codes, GPS-tracked wireless networked venues of service providers and/or vendors operating in the park facility, bearing site-level QR codes, wireless networked geo-fencing systems installed in the amusement park to support the vendors and service providers operating in the amusement park facility using wireless networked services, and web, application and database servers associated with the data centers deployed to support the services required by the system network of the present invention;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a GPS-tracked wireless networked mobile/stationary locker system having plurality of QR code driven access controlled locker units, each accessible by scanning the QR codes on the locker unit using a web-enabled mobile smartphone deployed in the system network, and carrying out the transaction supported on the display screen of the mobile smartphone;

FIG. 13B a perspective view showing a column of locker cabinets from the larger GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system shown in FIG. 13A, wherein each electronically-controlled locker unit posts or displays a door-level QR code for scanning with a web-enabled mobile smartphone deployed on the wireless system network of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic system block diagram of the GPS-tracked wireless networked transportable locker system of the present invention with QR code driven access control, and shown comprising a group of electronically-controlled locker units that are internetworked together in a transportable GPS-tracked cabinet, that can be locally managed by a networked kiosk server system, and/or remotely managed by network servers maintained in a cloud-based data center shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, under any of seven exemplary case scenarios modeled and described in FIGS. 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F, 14G and 14H;

FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram of the GPS-tracked wireless networked transportable locker system shown in FIG. 14, with the internal system architecture of the kiosk server system shown in greater detail along with aspects of the system architecture of the locker units in the networked locker system, so as to show that the networked locker units are networked together and managed/manageable by the kiosk server system using Ethernet or other communication networking protocols, while the manual keypads and PIN storage memory on each locker unit are in communication with kiosk server system using a serial-to-UDP/IP communication network;

FIG. 14B shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 1, where a local kiosk server system is used to manage groups of locker units at a specific site location in a facility and locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases in the local kiosk server system;

FIG. 14C shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 2, where local kiosk server systems are networked together and used to manage groups of locker units at specific site locations in specific facilities, and locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases synchronized in local kiosk server systems and cloud-based network servers;

FIG. 14D shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 3, where a local kiosk server system is used to manage a groups of locker units at a specific site location in a specific facility, and locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases in local kiosk server systems and cloud-based network servers that are automatically data synchronized;

FIG. 14E shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 4, where a local kiosk server system is not employed to manage groups of local locker units at a site location in a specific facility, and all locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases in cloud-based network servers;

FIG. 14F shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 5, where locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in local kiosk database servers, local internet and/or electrical power is interrupted at a site and the guest's mobile phone uses Bluetooth RF communication with a specific locker unit to communicate the PIN code to locker and open the door of a rented locker and retrieve personal belongings;

FIG. 14G shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 6, where locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in local kiosk database servers, local internet and/or electrical power is interrupted at a site and the guest's mobile phone uses local WIFI supported at the local kiosk server system to establish a WIFI communication link between the mobile smartphone and the local kiosk server system to rent a new locker unit and store the user's PIN code in the locker unit, then open the door of a rented locker and store personal belongings;

FIG. 14H shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 7, where locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in cloud database servers, local internet and/or electrical power is interrupted at a site, and a guest's mobile phone uses Bluetooth RF to communicate with the rented networked locker unit and enter the digital PIN code to open the locker door and retrieve personal belongings;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a GPS-tracked wireless networked electric convenience vehicle (ECVs) with Q code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller with Q code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network of the present invention;

FIG. 17A is a rear perspective view of the GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller shown in FIG. 17, illustrating its electronically-controlled wheel-axel control module (ECWCM) shown in FIG. 16 installed and operational within the stroller system;

FIG. 17B1 is a perspective view of the hand-actuated control bar assembly mounted on the GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller shown in FIG. 17, shown configured in its unlocked state so the stroller wheel brake is unlocked by the device;

FIG. 17B2 is a close-up rear perspective view of the hand-actuated control bar assembly mounted on the GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller shown in FIG. 17 shown configured in its locked state so the stroller wheel brake is locked by the device, and the wheels unable to rotate;

FIG. 17C1 is a perspective cutaway view of the wireless remote locking module mounted to the hand-actuated control bar assembly shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, while shown in the unlocked state of configuration;

FIG. 17C2 is a perspective cutaway view of the wireless remote locking module mounted to the hand-actuated control bar assembly shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, while shown in the locked state of configuration;

FIG. 17D is a perspective view of the GPS-tracking electronic control module mounted on the hand-actuated control bar assembly shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, and employed in the GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller shown in FIG. 17, showing a control housing portion and a rechargeable battery module;

FIG. 17E is a perspective view of the GPS-tracking electronic control module of FIG. 17D, showing its battery power module slide off and away from the control housing portion;

FIG. 17F is a perspective view of the control housing portion of the GPS-tracking electronic control module shown in FIGS. 17D through 17F, show with its cover manner removed from the main housing component to reveal its internally mounted electro-mechanical components including rotary motor, sensors, and electronic control circuitry;

FIG. 17G1 is an exploded view of the battery power module employed with the GPS-tracking electronic control module of FIG. 17D;

FIG. 17G2 is a perspective view of the assembled battery power module employed with the GPS-tracking electronic control module of FIG. 17D;

FIG. 18 is a GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller of the present invention with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network of the present invention, to support Contactless Transactions for a quick and safe guest rental experience, Web-based Application initiated by QR code provides easy to use platform without need for app installation, SMS Receipt Message for guest convenience and personalized rental confirmation, Mobile Payment to reduce cash handling and labor costs, GPS-enabled fleet review and management, rider instructions for use of vehicle, and fleet reporting;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a GPS-tracked wireless networked wheel chair with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a GPS-tracked wireless networked wheel chair of the present invention with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a mobile smartphone system (e.g. Apple iPhone device);

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a mobile tablet computing system (e.g. Apple iPad device);

FIG. 23 is a schematic system block diagram of the mobile smartphone system and/or mobile tablet computing system shown in FIGS. 21 and 22;

FIG. 24A is a schematic representation of the object-oriented libraries stored and executable within the cluster of application servers within the data center, realizing the many services supported on the wireless access control system network of the present invention;

FIG. 24B is a schematic representation of the database structure associated with an exemplary relational database management system (RDBMS) used to illustrate a database architecture that will be designed and developed to support the wireless control access system network of the present invention, with the exemplary suite of services described in detail herein;

FIG. 24C is a schematic representation in the form of a locally maintained table showing the various locker records maintained and updated for each locker #, in the networked storage locker system of the present invention, during each rental transaction supported at the site within the facility in which the storage locker system is installed;

FIG. 24D is a schematic representation in the form of a globally maintained table showing the various device records maintained and updated for each network device #, during each rental transaction supported at the site within the facility in which the storage locker system is installed;

FIG. 24E is a schematic representation of a relational data structure formed and maintained within the RDBMS on the network database server of the system network of the present invention depicted in FIG. 15, wherein for each rental transaction carried out within a particular facility supported by the system network, a relational-type rental transaction data structure is created and maintained, representable by a tree-type data structure identified by (i) its rental transaction identifier assigned by the system, linked/related to (ii) Device (phone) ID (e.g. electronic/digital cookie/token generated transaction ID) assigned to and stored on the phone scanning a Facility-Level QR Code, Site/Ride-Level QR Code or Device-Level QR Code to initiated the rental of a double-sided storage locker, (iii) and a Device # (e.g. Locker #, Stroller #, ECV #, etc.) whose Device-Level QR Code has been scanned;

FIG. 24F is a schematic representation of the automated facility, site and locker lookup process involving the scanning of unique Facility-Level QR Codes posted at a facility (e.g. park), Site-Level QR Codes posted at ride or attraction sites, and Device-Level QR Codes posted on each door of each storage locker supported in the networked storage locker system of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system of the present invention with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network of the present invention, supporting electronic-ink display panels on each locker front door to display QR codes, user instructions, messages and graphical indicia including advertising required or suggested by the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system with QR code driven access controlled locker units, each having an electronic-ink (E-ink) display panel for displaying QR codes, user instructions, messages, as well as advertisements;

FIG. 26A is a perspective view of a pair of locker units in the GPS-tracked network wireless networked locker cabinet system shown in FIG. 27, each having an electronic-ink (E-ink) display panel for displaying QR codes and user instructions;

FIG. 26B shows the storage locker units in FIG. 26A, with its locker door opened and configured for storage and access of personal belongings, for the storage and retrieval in the opened locker unit 151. As shown, the visible-band and IR-band FOV#1 and FOV#2 are projected from embedded miniature digital camera systems, and IR object sensing/detecting transceivers, through the interior of each respective locker unit 151, capturing and processing digital images of objects within the FOVS and searching for (i) the presence of objects (e.g. personal belongings) therein as after a locker has been rented, or (ii) the absence of objects in the FOV as after a locker rental has been terminated;

FIG. 27A is a perspective view of the locker units of FIG. 27, showing the left-sided locker configured in the “locker available” state, and displaying a Door-Level QR code available for scanning by a guest's web-enabled mobile phone to receive the services from the system network of the present invention;

FIG. 27B is a perspective view of the locker units of FIG. 27, showing the left-sided locker in the “locker rented & in use” state, displaying a user-selected message “SPARK123”;

FIG. 27C is a perspective view of the locker units of FIG. 27, showing the left-sided locker in the “locker available” state, displaying a Door-Level QR code once again;

FIGS. 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D set forth a flow chart describing the primary steps involved when carrying out the method of managing access control to a networked locker system by scanning facility-level QR codes posted at the entrance gate or outside of an amusement park facility, using a mobile smartphone wireless connected to the wireless access control system network of the present invention;

FIG. 29A is a schematic illustrating showing a perspective view of an amusement park facility, with a sign posted at the entrance date of the park, displaying a Facility-Level QR code as shown in FIG. 29B, which upon scanning with a web-enabled mobile smartphone is engineered to direct the guest user to a web-based e-commerce-enabled locker rental and access control transaction having the largest scope of services, encapsulating the entire facility, and allowing guest users to select a Site location of choice within the amusement park for their locker rental within the amusement park, and then allow the wireless system network to automatically assign an available locker to the guest at the selected Site;

FIG. 29B is an enlarged view of the Facility-Level QR Code posted at the entrance gate of the amusement park illustrated in FIG. 29A; FIG. 29C is a flow chart describing the primary steps involved in carrying out method of renting, accessing and controlling a network device (e.g. locker, stroller, ECV, etc.) by scanning Facility-Level QR Code at park, and then scanning a Device-Level QR Code on the networked device (e.g. locker door or stroller handle) at a ride/attraction site to access and use the device under the rental agreement;

FIG. 30A is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the first step in the facility-level access control method of the present invention involving (i) the scanning of a Facility-Level QR Code as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application (e.g. Apple Safari) to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Facility-Level QR Code as illustrated in table of FIG. 9, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Facility Entry” (RTI-FE) within the cache on the mobile smartphone;

FIG. 30B is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the second step in the facility-level access control method of the present invention involving the selection of which Site within the Facility (e.g. amusement park) (e.g. Main Gate, South Entrance, or Picnic Area) where the guest user would like to rent and access a storage locker to store personal belongings;

FIG. 30C is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the third step in the facility-level access control method of the present invention involving the selection of time/date of the locker rental at the Site within the Facility when would the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings;

FIG. 30D is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the fourth step in the facility-level access control method of the present invention involving the selection of locker size (e.g. small, large, jumbo) at the selected Site within the Facility which the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings;

FIG. 30E is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the fifth step in the facility-level access control method of the present invention involving the guest user requesting to rent the locker previously specified by the site, time/date, and locker size selected by the guest within the Facility, while displaying the price of the locker rental and availability at the time of the rental offer (prior to acceptance and order placement);

FIG. 30F is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the sixth step in the facility-level access control method of the present invention involving the user's selection of four-digit passcode for use in opening the rental locker, and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in the RDBMS of the wireless access control system network;

FIG. 30G is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the seventh step in the facility-level access control method of the present invention displaying the selected locker size and user passcode, and involving entering the guest's phone number to which the system network will transmit locker information and rental receipt via SMS/text once the user enters the phone number information and selects SAVE and CONTINUE, to initiate the web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported locker access control servers maintained at the data center;

FIG. 30H is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the eighth step in the facility-level access control method of the present invention displaying the selected locker size, entered passcode, text receipt phone number, and total price of the locker rental (tax included), and providing several options for the user to make payment (e.g. using ApplePay® or using a credit card or debit card of the user, in which case, the card number and expiration date i.e. month/year are requested);

FIG. 30I is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the nineth step in the facility-level access control method of the present invention displaying, after the prior payment transaction has been successfully completed, a message that the locker is ready, along with the selected location MAIN GATE, locker # and passcode, and a message to open the locker at its location, by either scanning the door-level QR code on the locker door, or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad (where and as provided);

FIG. 30J is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the tenth step in the facility-level access control method of the present invention displaying, after scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message that the locker is OPEN (and “upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code”);

FIG. 31 is a plan view of an exemplary Door-Level QR Code (i.e. a machine-readable code, such as an optically-readable bar code symbol and/or RFID encoded tag component) physically posted or electrically displayed on the front door surface of each locker unit in the GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system illustrated in FIG. 26;

FIG. 32A is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the first step in the door-level access control method when entered after completing the facility-level access control method described in FIGS. 31A through 30J, involving (i) the scanning of the Door-Level QR code on the rented locker using the user's web-enabled mobile smartphone, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application (e.g. Apple Safari) to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Door-Level QR Code as illustrated in table of FIG. 9, and (iii) executing the access control transaction script for the locker rental transaction identified by the “Rental Transaction Identifier-Facility Entry” stored on the phone by the application servers, so as to determine the state of the transaction for the Door-Level Access Control Method;

FIG. 32B is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the second step in the door-level access control method of the present invention displaying a message that the “Locker Is in Use” (e.g. Locker Number 154), and requesting the user to enter his or her unique 4 digital passcode, and the select the button “OPEN MY LOCKER”;

FIG. 32C is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the third step in the door-level access control method displaying, after scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message that the locker is OPEN (and “upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code”), allowing the user to either (i) store personal belongings in the storage locker or access stored personal belongings from the accessed locker, as the case may be;

FIGS. 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D, taken together, set forth a flow chart describing the primary steps involved when carrying out the method of managing access control to a networked locker system by scanning site-level QR codes posted at a particular Site in an amusement park facility, using a mobile smartphone wireless connected to the wireless access control system network of the present invention;

FIG. 34A is a schematic illustrating showing a perspective view of an amusement park facility, with a sign posted at a Site in the park, displaying a Site-Level QR code as shown in FIG. 34B, which upon scanning with a web-enabled mobile smartphone is engineered to direct the guest user to a web-based e-commerce-enabled locker rental and access control transaction having a narrowed scope of services within the facility, and allowing guest users to select a storage locker, mobility solution or other service at the Site within the amusement park, and then allow the wireless system network to automatically assign an available locker, mobility solution or service to the guest at the selected Site;

FIG. 34B is an enlarged view of the Site-Level QR Code posted at a Site within the amusement park illustrated in FIG. 34A, wherein at the Site Level, the user is able to scan a Site-Level QR code that is intelligently assigned to that Site location, and users will select a size of the storage locker (or type of mobility solution desired or required), and the wireless system network will automatically assign an available locker to the user (or an available vehicle, wheelchair or stroller to the user) at that Site, as the case may be;

FIG. 34C is a flow chart describing the primary steps involved in carrying out method of renting, accessing and controlling a double-sided storage locker by scanning Site-Level QR Code at park, and then scanning a Device-Level QR Code on the networked device (e.g. locker door or stroller handle) at a ride/attraction site to access and use the device under the rental agreement;

FIG. 35A is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the first step in the site-level access control method of the present invention involving (i) the scanning of a Site-Level QR Code as shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application (e.g. Apple Safari) to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Site-Level QR Code as illustrated in table of FIG. 9, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Site-Entry” (RTI-SE) within the cache on the mobile smartphone;

FIG. 35B is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the second step in the site-level access control method of the present invention involving the selection of time/date of the locker rental at the Site within the Facility when would the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings;

FIG. 35C is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the third step in the site-level access control method of the present invention involving the selection of locker size (e.g. small, large, jumbo) at the selected Site within the Facility which the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings;

FIG. 35D is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the fourth step in the site-level access control method of the present invention involving the guest user requesting to “Rent This Locker” previously specified by the Site, time/date, and locker size selected by the guest at the Site, while displaying the price of the locker rental and availability at the time of the rental offer (prior to acceptance and order placement);

FIG. 35E is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the fifth step in the site-level access control method of the present invention involving the user's selection of four-digit passcode for use in opening the rental locker, and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in the RDBMS of the wireless access control system network;

FIG. 35F is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the sixth step in the site-level access control method of the present invention displaying the selected locker size and user passcode, and involving entering the guest's phone number to which the system network will transmit locker information and rental receipt via SMS/text once the user enters the phone number information and selects SAVE and CONTINUE, to initiate the web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported locker access control servers, maintained at the data center;

FIG. 35G is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the seventh step in the site-level access control method of the present invention displaying the selected locker size, entered passcode, text receipt phone number, and total price of the locker rental (tax included), and providing several options for the user to make payment (e.g. using ApplePay® or using a credit card or debit card of the user, in which case, the card number and expiration date i.e. month/year are requested);

FIG. 35H is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the eighth step in the site-level access control method of the present invention displaying, after the prior payment transaction has been successfully completed, a message that the locker is ready, along with the selected locker # and user's passcode, and a Button enabled to open the locker at its location, by the user simply either scanning the door-level QR code on the locker door, or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad (where and as provided);

FIG. 35I is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the nineth step in the site-level access control method of the present invention displaying, after scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message that the locker is OPEN (and “upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code”), and an END RENTAL Button for selection by the user to the end the locker rental;

FIG. 36 is a plan view of an exemplary Door-Level QR Code physically posted or electrically displayed on the front door surface of each locker unit in the GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system illustrated in FIG. 26;

FIG. 37A is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the first step in the door-level access control method when entered after scanning a site-level access QR code as described in FIGS. 35A through 35I, involving (i) the scanning of the Door-Level QR code on the rented locker using the user's web-enabled mobile smartphone, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application (e.g. Apple Safari) to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Door-Level QR Code as illustrated in table of FIG. 9, and (iii) executing the access control transaction script for the locker rental transaction identified by the “Rental Transaction Identifier-Site Entry” stored on the phone by the application servers, so as to determine the state of the transaction for the Door-Level Access Control Method;

FIG. 37B is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the second step in the door-level access control method of the present invention displaying a message that the “Locker Is in Use” (e.g. Locker Number 154), and requesting the user to enter his or her unique 4 digital passcode, and the select the button “OPEN MY LOCKER”;

FIG. 37C is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the third step in the door-level access control method of the present invention displaying a message asking the user (i) whether or not the user is “Done for the Day?”, in which case the user will no longer have access to the locker rental and all belongings should be removed from the locker before ending the locker rental, or (ii) whether or not the user wishes to continue using the locker for storage of personal belongings;

FIG. 37D is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the fourth step in the door-level access control method displaying, after scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message that the locker is OPEN (and “upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code”) allowing the user to either store personal belongings in the storage locker or access stored personal belongings from the accessed locker, as the case may be, and an END RENTAL Button for selection by the user to the end the locker rental;

FIGS. 38A, 38B, 38C and 38D, taken together, provide a flow chart describing the primary steps involved when carrying out the method of managing access control to a networked locker system by scanning Door-Level QR Codes posted or displayed on the front door of each storage locker deployed within the amusement park facility, using a mobile smartphone wireless connected to the wireless access control system network of the present invention;

FIG. 39A is a schematic illustrating showing a perspective view of an amusement park facility, with a locker cabinet located at sign posted at a Site in the park, and each locker unit in the cabinet displaying a Door-Level QR code as shown in FIG. 39B, which upon scanning with a web-enabled mobile smartphone is engineered to direct the guest user to a web-based e-commerce-enabled locker rental and access control transaction having a narrowed scope of services within the facility, and allowing guest users to rent the storage locker, at the Site within the amusement park, and then allow the wireless system network to automatically control access to the locker at the Site;

FIG. 39B is a plan view of the Door-Level QR Code physically posted or electrically displayed on the front door surface of each locker unit in the GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system illustrated in FIG. 26, wherein at this most explicit level, Door Level, users are allowed to directly scan the locker door they want to rent, and intelligence regarding the Size, Price, Site, and Facility is effectively built into the Door-Level QR Code so that users can enjoy an expedited rental experience;

FIG. 39C is a flow chart describing the primary steps involved in carrying out method of renting, accessing and controlling a double-sided storage locker system by scanning a Door-Level QR Code on the network device (e.g. locker, stroller, ECV, etc.) at a ride/attraction site to rent and access and use the device under the rental agreement, and then scanning the Device-Level QR Code on the networked device (e.g. locker door or stroller handle) when it time to terminate the rental and return the device;

FIG. 40A is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the first step in the door-level access control method of the present invention involving (i) the scanning of a Door-Level QR Code as shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application (e.g. Apple Safari) to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Site-Level QR Code as illustrated in table of FIG. 9, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Door-Entry” (RTI-DE) within the cache on the mobile smartphone;

FIG. 40B is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the second step in the door-level access control method of the present invention involving the user selecting the “Rent This Locker” Button to rent the scanned and selected locker for a specific time/date (e.g. All Day Locker Rental), given its specified size and rental price at the Site within the Facility;

FIG. 40C is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the third step in the door-level access control method of the present invention involving the user's selection of four-digit passcode for use in opening the rental locker, and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in the RDBMS of the wireless access control system network;

FIG. 40D is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the fourth step in the door-level access control method of the present invention displaying the selected locker size and user passcode, and involving entering the guest's phone number to which the system network will transmit locker information and rental receipt via SMS/text once the user enters the phone number information and selects SAVE and CONTINUE, to initiate the web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported locker access control servers, maintained at the data center;

FIG. 40E is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the fifth step in the door-level access control method of the present invention displaying the selected locker size, entered passcode, text receipt phone number, and total price of the locker rental (tax included), and providing several options for the user to make payment (e.g. using ApplePay® or using a credit card or debit card of the user, in which case, the card number and expiration date i.e. month/year are requested);

FIG. 40F is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the sixth step in the door-level access control method of the present invention displaying, after the prior payment transaction has been successfully completed, a message that the locker is ready, along with the selected locker # and user's passcode, and a Button enabled to “Open My Locker” at its location by the user simply either scanning the door-level QR code on the locker door, or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad (where and as provided);

FIG. 40G is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the seventh step in the door-level access control method of the present invention displaying, after scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message that the locker is OPEN (and “upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code”), and an END RENTAL Button for selection by the user to the end the locker rental;

FIG. 41 is a plan view of the Door-Level QR Code physically posted or electrically displayed on the front door surface of each locker unit in the GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system illustrated in FIG. 26, wherein at this most explicit level, Door Level, users are allowed to directly rescan the rented locker door they want to access to remove personal belongings;

FIG. 42A is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the first step in the door-level access control method when entered after completing the door-level access control method described in FIGS. 40A through 40G, involving (i) the scanning of the Door-Level QR code on the rented locker using the user's web-enabled mobile smartphone, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application (e.g. Apple Safari) to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Door-Level QR Code as illustrated in table of FIG. 9, and (iii) executing the access control transaction script for the locker rental transaction identified by the “Rental Transaction Identifier-Door Entry” stored on the phone by the application servers, so as to determine the state of the transaction for the Door-Level Access Control Method;

FIG. 42B is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the second step in the door-level access control method of the present invention displaying a message that (i) the “Locker Is in Use” (e.g. Locker Number 154), and requesting the user to enter his or her unique 4 digital passcode, and the select the button “OPEN MY LOCKER”, and (ii) if the scanned locker is not the guest's rented locker, then the user should look for a locker with a GREEN light indicating it is available for rental;

FIG. 42C is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the third step in the door-level access control method displaying, after scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message indicating (i) that the “Locker is Open” (and “upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code”) allowing the user to either store personal belongings in the storage locker or access stored personal belongings from the accessed locker, as the case may be, and (ii) that an END RENTAL Button is displayed and active for selection by the user to the end the locker rental transaction at the Site of the Facility;

FIG. 42D is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the fourth step in the door-level access control method of the present invention displaying a message asking the user (i) whether or not the user is “Done for the Day?”, in which case the user will no longer have access to the locker rental and all belongings should be removed from the locker before ending the locker rental, or (ii) whether or not the user wishes to continue using the locker for storage of personal belongings;

FIG. 42E is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the fifth step in the door-level access control method of the present invention displaying a message indicating and confirming the user ended the locker rental, and the user should remove all belongings from the locker before closing the locker, and optionally, if the internal automated locker camera is active within the rented locker, and the camera detects one or more objects in the locker, then the access control system network will automatically make such determinations and prevent the user from terminating the locker rental until all objects have been removed from the locker as confirmed by video camera images captured by the internal locker camera;

FIGS. 43A, 43B and 43C, taken together, provide a flow chart describing the primary steps involved when carrying out the method of managing access control to a GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller by scanning the Device-Level QR Code posted or displayed on the stroller available for rental, controlled access and use within the amusement park facility, using a mobile smartphone wireless connected to the wireless access control system network of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a plan view of perspective view of GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller illustrated in FIGS. 17, 17A through 17E and 18, wherein users are allowed to directly scan the Device-Level QR code on the stroller system they wish to rent, and the intelligence regarding the stroller's Model, Price, Site, and Facility is effectively built into the Device-Level QR Code so that users can enjoy an expedited rental experience, with involvement in minimal data entry operations;

FIG. 45A is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the first step in the device-level access control method of the present invention involving (i) the scanning of a Device-Level QR Code on an available GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application (e.g. Apple Safari) to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Device-Level QR Code as illustrated in table of FIG. 9, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Device-Entry” (RTI-DE) within the cache on the mobile smartphone;

FIG. 45B is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the second step in the device-level access control method of the present invention involving the user selecting the “Rent This Stroller” Button to rent the scanned and selected stroller for a specific time/date (e.g. All Day Rental), given its specified stroller size, and rental price, at the Site within the Facility;

FIG. 45C is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the third step in the device-level access control method of the present invention involving the entry of the user's full name and phone number for use in opening the rental locker, and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in the RDBMS of the wireless access control system network;

FIG. 45D is graphical user interface (GUI) screens of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the fourth step in the device-level access control method of the present invention displaying the rental terms for the stroller (e.g. one day rider only, to remain seated, always keep hands and feet inside stroller, slow speed for turns, do not exceed stroller weight limits, and do not leave valuable in an unintended stroller) to be checked by the user/renter, and then selecting CONFIRM and CONTINUE, to initiate the web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported stroller access control servers, maintained at the data center;

FIG. 45E is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the fifth step in the device-level access control method of the present invention displaying the selected stroller size, renter information, rental terms, and total price of the stroller rental (tax included), and providing several options for the user to make payment (e.g. using ApplePay® or using a credit card or debit card of the user, in which case, the card number and expiration date i.e. month/year are requested);

FIG. 45F is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the sixth step in the device-level access control method of the present invention displaying, after the prior payment transaction has been successfully completed, a message that the stroller is ready, along a Button enabled to “Unlock My Stroller” by the user simply clicking on the UNLOCK STROLLER Button, and a message indicating to lock the stroller, press the foot brake down and press down on the red handle;

FIG. 45G is a graphical user interface (GUI) screen of the mobile smartphone shown in FIG. 21, deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention, and showing the seventh step in the device-level access control method of the present invention displaying a message that the stroller is UNLOCKED, and to roll the stroller, the user must lift the brake bar with his or her foot before starting to push the stroller;

FIG. 46A is a perspective view of a double-sided wireless networked retail storage locker system enabling customers to retrieve purchased items from the lockers in a contactless manner using mobile phones and the wireless access control system network of the present invention;

FIG. 46B is a perspective illustration the double-sided wireless networked retail storage locker system shown in FIG. 46A, showing the backstage loading area of the retail locker system shown in FIG. 46A, and the guest area where consumers retrieve purchased items from lockers containing their purchased goods;

FIG. 47 is a schematic block diagram of the double-sided wireless networked retail storage locker system for contactless purchased item retrieval, integrated within the cloud-based GPS-tracking wireless access control system network of the present invention;

FIG. 48 is a flow chart describing the primary steps carried out when practicing the method of purchasing products at an online e-commerce and/or brick and mortar retail store and thereafter retrieving in a contactless manner the purchased product items stored within a double-sided wireless networked retail locker system installed at the retail store or its order fulfillment center;

FIG. 49 is a schematic block diagram describing the GPS-tracking wireless access control system network of the present invention supporting the offering and delivering of goods and services to consumer's using rented/access-controlled things GPS-tracked within a GPS-tracking wireless access control system network; and

FIGS. 50A and 50B, taken together, provide a flow chart describing the primary steps carried out when practicing the method of method of delivering products and services to a guest visitor who has rented a GPS-tracked thing for use within an amusement park or recreational environment using a mobile smartphone to scan device-level QR code on the GPS-tracked thing being tracked within a GPS-tracked wireless access control system network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring to the figures in the accompanying Drawings, the illustrative embodiments of the system and will be described in great detail, wherein like elements will be indicated using like reference numerals.

Also, U.S. Pat. No. 8,990,110, US Patent Application No. US2019/0035186, U.S. Pat. No. 9,558,608, U.S. Pat. No. 10,474,797, U.S. Pat. No. 7,341,191, and pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/728,887 filed Jun. 2, 2015, and Ser. No. 16/663,057 filed Oct. 24, 2019, are each hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as if set forth fully herein.

Brief Overview of the Wireless Control Access System Network of the Present Invention

FIG. 7 illustrates a global view of an amusement park facility supported by a cloud-based Quick Response (QR) code driven wireless control access system network 1 supporting the rental, access and control of storage lockers, mobility solutions and other guest services in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein, multi-level QR codes (e.g. facility-level QR codes 40A, site-level QR codes 40B and device-level QR codes 40C) are deployed across the entire amusement park facility (i.e. enterprise) 800 to support the contact-less procurement and provision of diverse kinds of valuable products and services to park guests and visitors, anywhere within the park environment, when simply using their mobile smartphones deployed on the wireless system network.

While the use of the term “amusement park” and “amusement park facility” has been used herein in connection with many illustrative embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that this term shall be understood to include, but not be limited to, any “adventure seeking” or “human social” activity on Earth, including, for example:

-   -   Casinos     -   Museums     -   National Parks     -   Amusement Parks     -   Theme Parks     -   Sporting Arenas and Centers     -   Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Adventure Parks     -   Colosseums and Amphitheatre     -   Music and Arts Festivals     -   Water and River Rafting and Outdoor Activities     -   Western Activities     -   Horseback Riding     -   Hiking and Mountain Climbing Activities     -   Sporting and Recreational Centers     -   Gymnastic Centers     -   National Beaches     -   Rodeos     -   Animal Shows     -   Sporting Games and Contests     -   Film and Performing Arts Theaters     -   Public Parks     -   Ice Skating Rinks     -   Public Swimming Pools     -   ATR vehicles and trailblazing     -   Ski Lodges     -   Snowboarding     -   Alpine Sports     -   Hunting and Fishing Lodges

While amusement park venue will provide many opportunities to serve people using the wireless system network of the present invention 1, it is understood that any social environment involving human and/or animal life will be suitable venues for the wireless system network 1, where mobile phones can be used to provide machine-code driven access control to things and services of value. For examples, social environments for use of the wireless system network of the present invention 1 will include, but are not limited to:

-   -   National Disaster and Relief Centers (FEMA)     -   International Red Cross Relief Centers     -   Homeless Shelters and Centers     -   Personal Relief Shelters     -   Shared Business Office Space     -   Community Living Environments     -   Senior Citizen Centers     -   Transportation Centers

FIG. 8A shows an amusement park facility 800, in which a system of exemplary multi-level QR codes of the present invention are embedded at the facility, site, and device (i.e. thing) level of the park environment to enable park guests, visitors and other system users to procure, access and control storage, mobility and other valuable products and services while visiting an amusement park environment.

FIG. 8B illustrates the mapping of multi-level QR codes to particular entry points in transaction workflows designed to support procurement and delivery of services to an amusement park, tourist, or adventure seeking environment. As shown, the (i) Facility-Level QR codes 40A are mapped to facility-level entry points in the transactional workflow and posted/displayed at physical and virtual locations outside of amusement park facility, (ii) Site-Level QR codes 40B are mapped to site-level entry points in the transactional workflow and posted/displayed at physical Site locations within the amusement park facility, and (iii) Device/Thing-Level QR codes 40C are mapped to device-level (e.g. locker door level) entry points in the transactional workflow and posted/displayed on actual physical locker doors located at Sites within the amusement park facility.

FIG. 8C list a set of exemplary rule-based triggers that can be employed for automated re-direction of transactional workflow upon automated detection thereof during the QR driven access control processes executing on system servers of the present invention. This list is merely exemplary and will vary from embodiment to embodiment, and application to application.

FIG. 9 shows the Multi-Level QR Code Hierarchy used to practice the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, namely: (i) (Locker) Door-Level QR Codes intelligently encoded with data attributes including facility (park), site, door, type (e.g. timed/daily), size, and pricing and URL directed to a first server component supported on the wireless system network of the present invention, (ii) Site-Level QR Codes intelligently encoded with data attributes including facility (park), site, type (e.g. timed/daily), size options, the pricing for each size and type options, and inventory status of each type and option, and URL directed to a second server component supported on the wireless system network of the present invention, and (iii) Facility-Level QR Codes intelligently encoded with data attributes including facility (park), sites rendered as choices, types (e.g. timed/daily), size options, and the pricing for each size and type options, and URL directed to a third server component supported on the wireless system network of the present invention. This is code hierarchy is merely exemplary, and will vary from embodiment to embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein.

In general, when practicing the principles of the present invention, each Multi-Level QR (Quick Response) Code Structure (e.g. Facility-Level, Site-Level and Device/Door/Thing-Level QR Code Structure) can be realized using (i) any machine-readable optically-readable bar code symbol of any symbology type, and/or (ii) any RFID tag component, realized using an RFID technology including active and passive RFID technologies known, and as may be developed and advanced in the future.

These machine-readable codes, including optically-readable codes and other forms of graphical indicia containing decodable information, can be printed in a physical medium and posted on the signs, doors, and devices described herein requiring wireless remote and local access control, as described herein, by scanning and decoding (i.e. reading) the code with aa user's web-enabled mobile phone deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention.

Alternatively, these machine-readable codes can be electronically displayed on electronic-ink (e.g. E-Ink display media) and LCD display screens alike mounted on signs, doors, and devices described herein also requiring wireless remote and local access control by scanning the code with a user's web-enabled mobile phone deployed on the wireless access control system network of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows the cloud-based (i.e. Internet-based) GPS-tracking wireless access control system network of the present invention 1 configured for procurement and access control of storage lockers, mobility solutions and other services offered within an enterprise-level amusement park facility, shown comprising: a system of GNSS satellites 10 orbiting around the Earth, GPS-tracked wireless networked lockers 150, 300, GPS-tracked wireless networked vehicles (e.g. ECVs 70, wheelchairs 110, and strollers 90 alike), GPS-tracked service providers, GPS-tracked vendors, and other diverse types of GPS-tracked wireless networked securable devices, each being interfaced with a TCP/IP infrastructure 11 directly, and/or via a facility-based Internet Gateway 14; a network of cellular towers 15 for supporting wireless data communication services between wireless mobile computing devices and network communication adapters; a plurality of wireless mobile computing systems (e.g. smartphones, tablet computers, etc.) 130; one or more industrial strength data centers 12, each supporting a cluster of communication servers (e.g. web servers) 12A, a cluster of application servers 12B, and a cluster of database servers 12C, and SMS/text and email servers 12D supported by at least one wide area network (WAN), and local weather servers 19, and network service platforms 13 including electronic payment systems and services, credit card processing, and the universe of webservers supported on the WWW.

FIG. 11 shows the cloud-based GPS-tracking wireless access control system network 1 depicted in FIG. 10, showing, in greater detail: (i) GPS-tracked wireless networked locker systems 150, 300 with remote access control and bearing Device-Level QR Codes 40A for procurement and access control by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones 130; (ii) GPS-tracked wireless networked strollers with remote security control and bearing Device-Level QR Codes 40C for procurement and access control by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones 130; (iii) GPS-tracked wireless networked electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) 70 with remote security control and bearing Device-Level QR Codes 40C for procurement and access control guests by scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones 130; (iv) GPS-tracked wireless networked amusement park rides (e.g. Sites) with remote security control and posting/displaying Site-Level QR Codes 40B for access to the park's storage and mobility service transactional workflow by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones 130; (v) GPS-tracked wireless networked Service Providers and Vendors (e.g. Sites) with remote security control and posting/displaying Site-Level QR Codes 40B for access to the park's service transactional workflow by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones 130; and (vi) GPS-tracked wireless networked Amusement Park Facility (e.g. Facility) 800 with remote security control and posting/displaying Facility-Level QR Codes 40A for access to the park's storage and mobility service transactional workflow by guests scanning these QR codes using mobile smartphones 130.

FIG. 12 shows the cloud-based GPS-tracking wireless access control system network 1, with other aspects thereof depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, and showing the system subcomponents of its GPS-tracked wireless networked locker systems, and other system network components interfaced with its TCP/IP Internet infrastructure 11, namely: electronic payment systems 13, locker inventory systems 21, stroller inventory systems 22, electric convenience vehicle (ECV) inventory system 23, mobile computing systems 130, GPS-tracking wireless networked ECVs 70 bearing device-level QR codes 40C, GPS-tracked wireless networked strollers 90 bearing device-level QR codes 40C, GPS-tracked wireless networked venues of service providers and/or vendors operating in the park facility, bearing site-level QR codes 40B, wireless networked geo-fencing systems installed in the amusement park to support the vendors and service providers operating in the amusement park facility using wireless networked services, and web, application and database servers 12A, 12B, 12C associated with the data centers 12 deployed to support the services required by the system network of the present invention 1.

In the system network of present invention 1, each locker, stroller, ECV and thing (i.e. “network device”) deployed and managed on the system network 1 is, or should wherever possible, be assigned a static IP address so as to enable data communication between network devices and information servers deployed on the system network 1 using data communication protocols suitable for the application at hand, as described herein. It is also understood that preferably, the IP address will be set in the network controller of the networked device, as well as in the computer memory architecture of the programmed processor the networked device. However, in some embodiments, a network controller may be assigned to one or more or a group of networked devices, and IP address management and network protocol translation methods maybe be used as required or desired to achieve digital communication in a manner well known to those skilled in the computer architecture and networking communication arts.

Specification of the Network Architecture of the Wireless System Network of the Present Invention

In general, FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate the network architecture of the wireless system network 1 for the case where the system network is implemented as a stand-alone platform designed to work independent from, but alongside of one or more networks deployed on the Internet. As shown, the wireless system network 1 comprises various system components, including a cellular phone and SMS messaging systems 12D, and one or more industrial-strength data centers 12, preferably mirrored with each other and running Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) between its router gateways, in a manner well known in the data center art. As shown in FIG. 10, each data center 12 comprising: a cluster of communication servers 12A for supporting http and other TCP/IP based communication protocols on the Internet; cluster of application servers 12B; a cluster of email processing servers 12D; cluster of SMS servers 12D; and a cluster of RDBMS servers 12C configured within a distributed file storage and retrieval ecosystem/system, and interfaced around the TCP/IP infrastructure 11 of the Internet well known in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the system network architecture also comprises: a plurality of Web-enabled mobile client machines 130 (e.g. mobile smartphones, mobile computers such as iPad, laptop computers, ad workstations, and other Internet-enabled computing devices with graphics display capabilities, etc.) running native mobile applications and mobile web browser applications supported modules supporting client-side and server-side processes on the system network of the present invention; and numerous media servers (e.g. Google, Facebook, NOAA, etc.) operably connected to the infrastructure of the Internet. The network of mobile computing systems 130 will run enterprise-level mobile application software, operably connected to the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet. Each mobile computing system 130 is provided with GPS-tracking and having wireless internet connectivity with the TCP/IP infrastructure of the Internet, using various communication technologies (e.g. GSM, Bluetooth, WIFI, and other wireless networking protocols well known in the wireless communications arts).

In general, regardless of the method of implementation employed, the wireless system networks of the illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be in almost all instances, realized as an industrial-strength, carrier-class Internet-based (i.e. cloud-based) network of object-oriented system design. Also, the system network will be deployed over a global data packet-switched communication network comprising numerous computing systems and networking components, as shown. As such, the information network of the present invention is often referred to herein as the “system” or “system network”.

Preferably, although not necessary, the system network 1 would be designed according to object-oriented systems engineering (DOSE) methods using UML-based modeling tools such as ROSE by Rational Software, Inc. using an industry-standard Rational Unified Process (RUP) or Enterprise Unified Process (EUP), both well known in the art. Implementation programming languages can include C, Objective C, C, Java, PHP, Python, Google's GO, and other computer programming languages known in the art. The Internet-based system network can be implemented using any object-oriented integrated development environment (IDE) such as for example: the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition, or Java EE (formerly J2EE); Web sphere IDE by IBM; Weblogic IDE by BEA; a non-Java IDE such as Microsoft's .NET IDE; or other suitably configured development and deployment environment well known in the art. Preferably, the system network is deployed as a three-tier server architecture with a double-firewall, and appropriate network switching and routing technologies well known in the art. In some deployments, private/public/hybrid cloud service providers, such Amazon Web Services (AWS), may be used to deploy Kubernetes, an open-source software container/cluster management/orchestration system, for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized software applications, such as the mobile enterprise-level application described above. Such practices are well known in the computer programming, networking and digital communication arts.

Specification of GPS-Tracked Wireless Networked Mobile/Portable Locker System with QR Code Driven Access Controlled Locker Units According to the Present Invention

FIG. 13A shows a GPS-tracked wireless networked mobile/stationary locker system 150 having plurality of QR code-driven access controlled locker units 151, each accessible by scanning the QR codes on the locker unit using a web-enabled mobile smartphone 130 deployed in the system network 1, and carrying out the transaction supported on the display screen of the mobile smartphone.

FIG. 13B shows a column of locker cabinets from the larger GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system 151 shown in FIG. 13A, wherein each electronically-controlled locker unit 151 posts or displays a door-level QR code 40C for scanning with a web-enabled mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless system network of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows the GPS-tracked wireless networked transportable locker system of the present invention 150 with QR code driven access control. As shown, networked locker system 150 comprises: a group of electronically-controlled locker units 151 that are internetworked together in a transportable GPS-tracked cabinet, that can be (i) locally managed by a networked kiosk server system 170 shown in FIGS. 13, 13A, 14 and 14A, and/or remotely managed by network servers maintained in a cloud-based data center 12 shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, under any of seven exemplary case scenarios modeled and described in FIGS. 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F, 14G and 14H, as described below.

As shown in FIG. 14, each wireless networked locker system 151 comprises the following components integrated about a system bus, namely: a programmed microprocessor 152 interfaced to the system bus 154 and supported by a memory architecture (e.g. RAM, ROM, and SSD persistent storage) 153 for use in supporting the access and control programs carried out by the locker controller, and storing the guest user's digital password (e.g. PIN) entered into the system using a mobile smartphone 130 during the mobile transactions supported by the system network and described and illustrated in great detail herein; a local battery-powered un-interrupted power supply (UPS Module) with power converters and control circuitry for automatically supplying electrical power all local electrical components within the locker unit 151 (and/or locker cabinet 150); a network controller 157 for interfacing with the TCP/IP infrastructure 11; a solenoid driver circuit 161 connected to a lock solenoid and bolt assembly 162 and locker door 163; a keypad 158 for entering digital locker password to microprocessor; an E-ink display panel 159 and controller interfaced with system bus; a Bluetooth/WIFI 160 interfaced with the system bus 154 via an I/O module interface 156; an interior digital video camera 155A with an interior field of view (FOV1) interfaced with the system bus 154 that can function as an automated object sensor to determine if a guest left belongings inside the locker interior space; an exterior digital camera 155B interfaced with the system bus 154 and can support automated facial recognition of the user to support user authentication and locker entry as part of the locker access process; a GPS module 154 interfaced with the system bus; and a door-level QR code displayed in the outer door surface or electronically displayed on the E-ink panel 159.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the locker units 151 in the networked locker system 150 are networked together and managed/manageable by the kiosk server system 170 using Ethernet or other communication networking protocols (157, 175), while the manual keypads 158 and PIN storage memory 153 on each locker unit 151 are in communication with kiosk server system 170 using a serial-to-UDP/IP communication network (158, 177) as shown. As shown, the kiosk server system 170 comprises a number of computing components interfaced around a system bus, namely: a network adapter (e.g. ethernet) 175; microprocessor 172; a memory architecture 172 (e.g. Cache, RAM, PROM, SSD, and other persistence memory); I/O module 174; bill acceptor 176; RS485/UDP/IP converter/adapter 177; visual touchscreen display panel and display controller 178; manual keypad and controller 179; bar code reader and RFID readers and controllers 180; credit/debit card (e.g. magstripe and RFID chip) reader 181; TCP/IP network controller 182; backup Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) module to generate local DC/AC power as needed during power interruptions on site or across a facility.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the networked locker system 150 and local kiosk server system 170, used to manage the same in particular embodiments and modes of system operation described herein, are connected to the Internet/Cloud infrastructure 11, along with the millions of guest user mobile smartphones 130, electronic payment systems 13, network servers within the data centers 12 supporting the system network, and other third-party network servers discussed herein and deployed across and around the Planet Earth. As shown, the kiosk server system 170 uses a conventional Service Bus Relay (SBR) available from Microsoft Azure Platform Services and other service providers to enable the locker units 151 in locker system 150 to access and use the Internet communication infrastructure in a simple and convenient manner well known in the network communication arts.

FIG. 14B shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 1, where a local kiosk server system 170 is used to manage groups of locker units 150 (151) at a specific site location in a facility and locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases in the local kiosk server system 170.

As shown in FIG. 14B, Step 1 of the control access process support in this case scenario involves using (i) a mobile phone 130 to scan (i.e. read) a Door-Level QR Code 40C on a locker unit 151, and (ii) the data path indicated by 2-3-4 to check the status of the scanned locker unit 151. If rental status is “available”, then the web services supported in the kiosk server system 170 sends http messages back to the web-enabled mobile phone 130 via data path 3-2 to support the locker rental, access and control methods described herein using the door-level QR code driven process described herein. Once the rental transaction has been completed, and payment or token-exchange made per the rental agreement, the kiosk server system 170 (i) stores the user's digital PIN code into the memory store of the rented/scanned locker unit 151, and automatically (ii) updates the locker inventory records and locker transaction records within database servers maintained on the local kiosk server system 170, and backed up elsewhere in the enterprise in accordance with best practices in data backup and information security.

FIG. 14C shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones 130 and other network components configured and operating according to Case 2, where local kiosk server systems 170 are networked together and used to manage groups of locker units 150 (151) at specific site locations in specific facilities, and locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases synchronized in local kiosk server systems 170 and cloud-based network servers 12.

As shown in FIG. 14C, Step 1 of the control access process support in this case scenario involves using (i) a mobile phone 130 to scan (i.e. read) a Door-Level QR Code 40C on a locker unit 151, and (ii) the data path indicated by 2-3-4 to check the status of the scanned locker unit 151. The primary different between Case 2 and Case 1, is that in Case 2, a large number of kiosk server systems 170 deployed across Sites indexed with Site-Level QR Codes 40B in a given Facility indexed with Facility-Level QR Codes 40A, are networked together to form an enterprise level information using the ethernet or other suitable networking protocol, and across this network configuration, information records can be shared, and network directories maintained to facilitate the locker and device rental, access and control services supported by the system network of the present invention 1 described herein. So, in Case 2, if rental status is “unavailable”, then the web services supported in the kiosk server system 170 sends http messages back to the web-enabled mobile phone 130 via data path 3-2 to inform the guest user at what Site in the Facility he or she can rent a locker, mobility device or other thing, using the rental, access and control methods described herein using Facility-Level QR Codes 40A, Site-Level QR codes 40B and/or Door-level QR Code 40C described herein. Once the rental transaction has been completed at a particular locker at a specific Site in the Facility, and payment or token-exchange made per the rental agreement, the kiosk server system 170 (i) stores the user's digital PIN code into the memory store of the rented/scanned locker unit 151, and automatically (ii) updates the locker inventory records and locker transaction records within database servers maintained on the local kiosk server system 170, and backed up elsewhere in the enterprise in accordance with best practices in data backup and information security.

FIG. 14D shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 3, where a local kiosk server system 170is used to manage a groups of locker units 150 at a specific site location in a specific facility, and locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases in local kiosk server systems 170 and cloud-based network servers 12 that are automatically data synchronized.

As shown in FIG. 14D, Step 1 of the control access process support in this case scenario involves using (i) a mobile phone 130 to scan (i.e. read) a Door-Level QR Code 40C on a locker unit 151, and (ii) the data path indicated by 2-3-4 to check the status of the scanned locker unit 151. The primary different between Case 3 and Cases 1 and 2, is that in Case 3, is the rental inventory and transaction records are also maintained within the network database servers 12 supported in the cloud-based data center 12, with data synchronization procedures and processes running between the locker inventory and transaction record databases maintained in the local kiosk server systems 170 and cloud-based network servers at the data center 12. So, in Case 3, if rental status is “available”, then the local kiosk server 170 carries out the process illustrated in Case 1. However, if the rental status is “unavailable”, then the web services supported in the kiosk server system 170 sends http messages back to the web-enabled mobile phone 130 via data path 3-2 (or alternatively, cloud-based servers in the data center 12 sends http messages back to the web-enabled mobile phone 130 via data path 2) so as to inform the guest user at what Site in the Facility he or she can rent a locker, mobility device or other thing, using the rental, access and control methods described herein using Facility-Level QR Codes 40A, Site-Level QR codes 40B and/or Door-level QR Code 40C described herein. Once the rental transaction has been completed at a particular locker at a specific Site, and payment or token-exchange made per the rental agreement, the kiosk server system 170 (i) stores the user's digital PIN code into the memory store of the rented/scanned locker unit 151, and automatically (ii) updates the locker inventory records and locker transaction records within database servers maintained on the local kiosk server system 170 and cloud-based network servers 12, and data synchronized in a manner well known in the data synchronization arts.

FIG. 14E shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 4, where a local kiosk server system 170 is not employed to manage groups of local locker units 150 at a site location in a specific facility, and all locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in databases in cloud-based network servers.

As shown in FIG. 14E, Step 1 of the control access process support in this case scenario involves using (i) a mobile phone 130 to scan (i.e. read) a Door-Level QR Code 40C on a cloud-based networked locker unit 151 (with locker system 150 directly connected to the cloud infrastructure 11 without the use of any local kiosk server system 170 to rent, access and control a scanned locker unit 151, and (ii) the data path indicated by 2-3-4 through the cloud infrastructure to check the status of the scanned locker unit 151. If rental status is “available”, then the web services supported in the network servers in the data center 12 sends http messages back to the web-enabled mobile phone 130 via data path 3-2 to support the locker rental, access and control methods described herein using the door-level QR code driven process described herein. Once the rental transaction has been completed, and payment or token-exchange made per the rental agreement, the network server 12 (i) stores the user's digital PIN code into the memory store of the rented/scanned locker unit 151, and automatically (ii) updates the locker inventory records and locker transaction records within database servers maintained on the cloud-based data center 12, and backed up elsewhere in the enterprise in accordance with best practices in data backup and information security.

FIG. 14F shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 5, where locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in local kiosk database servers 170, local internet and/or electrical power is interrupted at a site and the guest's mobile phone 130 uses Bluetooth RF communication with a specific locker unit 151 to communicate the PIN code to locker and open the door of a rented locker and retrieve personal belongings.

As shown in FIG. 14F, Step 1 of the control access process support in this case scenario involves using a mobile phone 130 to scan (i.e. read) a Door-Level QR Code 40C on a locker unit 151, and seek to establish an Internet/cloud connection with the local kiosk server system 170 as described hereinabove. However, due to an Internet and/or power interruption, the mobile phone 130 does not receive a proper http message back from the local kiosk server system 170, which is indicated by the X applied over the cloud icon in FIG. 14F. In response, the guest's mobile phone 130 uses Bluetooth RF communication with a specific locker unit 151 to communicate the PIN code to locker and open the door of the rented locker and retrieve personal belongings.

FIG. 14G shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 6, where locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in local kiosk database servers 170, local internet and/or electrical power is interrupted at a site and the guest's mobile phone 130 uses local WIFI supported at the local kiosk server system 170 to establish a WIFI communication link between the mobile smartphone 130 and the local kiosk server system 170 to rent a new locker unit 151 and store the user's PIN code in the locker unit 151, then opens the door of the rented locker to store personal belongings.

As shown in FIG. 14G, Step 1 of the control access process support in this case scenario involves using a mobile phone 130 to scan (i.e. read) a Door-Level QR Code 40C on a locker unit 151, and seek to establish an Internet/cloud connection with the local kiosk server system 170 as described hereinabove. However, due to an Internet and/or power interruption, the mobile phone 130 does not receive a proper http message back from the local kiosk server system 170 through the cloud infrastructure, which is indicated by the X applied over the cloud icon in FIG. 14G. In response, the guest's mobile phone 130 uses local WIFI supported at the local kiosk server system 170 to establish a WIFI communication link between the mobile smartphone 130 and the local kiosk server system 170 to rent a new locker unit 151 and store the user's PIN code in the locker unit 151, then opens the door of the rented locker to store personal belongings.

FIG. 14H shows the wireless system network of the present invention with mobile phones and other network components configured and operating according to Case 7, where locker inventory and rental transaction records are maintained in cloud database servers 12, local internet and/or electrical power is interrupted at a site, and a guest's mobile phone uses Bluetooth RF to communicate with the rented networked locker unit and enter the PIN code to open the locker door and retrieve personal belongings.

As shown in FIG. 14H, Step 1 of the control access process support in this case scenario involves using a mobile phone 130 to (i) scan (i.e. read) a Door-Level QR Code 40C on a locker unit 151 in a networked locker system 15 directly connected to the Internet without the use of any local kiosk server system 170, and (ii) seek to establish an Internet/cloud connection with the networked kiosk unit 151, as described hereinabove. However, due to an Internet and/or power interruption, the mobile phone 130 does not receive a proper http message back from the cloud-based network servers 12 through the cloud infrastructure during the transaction session, which is indicated by the X applied over the cloud icon in FIG. 14G. In response, the guest's mobile phone uses Bluetooth RF to communicate with the rented networked locker unit 151 and enter the PIN code to open the locker door and retrieve personal belongings.

These case scenarios are merely exemplary to illustrate the possibilities and potential configurations supported by the wireless control access system network of the present invention. Other scenarios are possible and can be supported by the system network of the present invention.

Specification of a GPS-Tracked Wireless Networked Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV) with QR-Code Driven Access Control According to the Present Invention

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a GPS-tracked wireless networked electric convenience vehicle (ECVs) 70 with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network of the present invention 1.

As shown in FIG. 16, the GPS-tracked wireless networked ECV comprises: an ECV 70 with a body portion 70A adapted for supporting the body of an adult often having a handicap or compromised physical abilities; a transport system with wheels 70B for supporting the body portion 70A; and electronic control module system 70C supporting wireless remote control module 80, and being integrated with the ECV and its control and drive electronics.

In the illustrative embodiment, the wireless remote control module system 80 comprises: a microprocessor and memory architecture interfaced with a system bus; a GPS module (e.g. UBlock® GPS/GNSS Module); a video camera with field of view (FOV) 75 integrated to the system bus; an I/O module 77 supporting a keypad and electronic-ink and LCD display panel, and a Bluetooth and WIFI network adapter and various antennas to support RF and GPS communications with various systems on the wireless system network 1; a network adapter/controller for providing TCP/IP network access to the wireless system network 1, and all services supported on the Internet; and an electronically controlled wheel axel control module (ECWCM) interfaced with the system bus, for controlling access to the vehicle wheels and/or propulsion/drive system of the ECV 70.

Specification of a GPS-Tracked Networked Stroller Vehicle Having QR Code Driven Access Controlled Wheels According to the Principles of the Present Invention

FIG. 16 shows the GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller 90 provided with a QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network 1. FIG. 17A shows the GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller 90 while illustrating its wireless electronically-controlled wheel-axel control module 95 shown installed and operational in FIGS. 16 and 17A within the stroller system 90.

FIG. 17B1 shows the hand-actuated control bar assembly 94 mounted on the GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller shown in FIG. 17, by mounting brackets 97C1 and 97C2, attached to the framework of the stroller shown in FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17B1 shows the hand-actuated control bar assembly 94 configured in its unlocked state so the stroller wheel brake 92 is unlocked by the device, and its wheels 93 free to rotate without resistance. FIG. 17C1 shows the interior of wireless remote locking module 95 mounted to the hand-actuated control bar assembly 94, while shown in the unlocked state of configuration. In this configuration, the rotatable locking key 97E is rotated into a state to prevent the spring biased locking pin 97F from engaging in a hole in the cylindrical rod 97D, preventing the user from pushing the handle 97B downward and pushing the wheel brake into a locking position. Consequently, when the locking pin 97F is disengaged, the wheel braking mechanism cannot be locked by the hand-actuated control bar assembly 94.

FIG. 17B2 shows the hand-actuated control bar assembly mounted on the GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller configured in its locked state so the stroller wheel brake 92 is locked by the device 94, and its wheels 93 unable to rotate. FIG. 17C2 shows the wireless remote locking module 95 mounted to the hand-actuated control bar assembly 94, while shown in the locked state of configuration. In this configuration, the rotatable locking key 97E is rotated into a state to allow the spring biased locking pin 97F to engaging inside the hole in the cylindrical rod 97D, and locking the handle 97B into place within rod guide portion 99B, and locking the wheel brake into a locking position. Consequently, when the locking pin 97F is engaged, the wheel braking mechanism is automatically locked by the hand-actuated control bar assembly 94.

FIG. 17D shows the GPS-tracking electronic control module mounted on the hand-actuated control bar assembly shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, and employed in the GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller shown in FIG. 17, showing a control housing portion 99 and a rechargeable battery module 100.

FIG. 17E shows the GPS-tracking electronic control module of FIG. 17D, and its battery power module slide off and away from the control housing portion;

FIG. 17F shows the control housing portion 99 of the GPS-tracking electronic control module with its cover manner removed from the main housing component to reveal its internally mounted electro-mechanical components including rotary motor 99C, sensors 99A, and electronic control circuitry 99E.

FIGS. 17G1 and 17G2 show the construction of the battery power module 100 employed with the GPS-tracking electronic control module 95.

FIG. 18 shows GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller of the present invention with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network of the present invention, to support Contactless Transactions for a quick and safe guest rental experience, Web-based Application initiated by QR code provides easy to use platform without need for app installation, SMS Receipt Message for guest convenience and personalized rental confirmation, Mobile Payment to reduce cash handling and labor costs, GPS-enabled fleet review and management, rider instructions for use of vehicle, and fleet reporting.

As shown in FIG. 18, the GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller comprises: a stroller with a body adapted for supporting a person typically child or young person, and sometimes a pet animal such as a dog; and control module containing the electronics. As shown in FIG. 18, the control electronics module 95 comprises: a microprocessor 104 and memory architecture 105 interfaced with a system bus 106; a GPS module (e.g. UBlock® GPS/GNSS Module); a video camera 102 with field of view (FOV) integrated to the system bus 106; an I/O module 108 supporting a keypad and electronic-ink and LCD display panel 110, and a Bluetooth and WIFI network adapter and antennas 111 to support GPS and RF communications supported on the wireless system network; a network adapter/controller 109 for providing TCP/IP network access to the wireless system network 1, and all services supported on the Internet; and an electronically controlled wheel axel control module (ECWCM) 95 interfaced with the system bus 106, for controlling access to the vehicle wheels 92 and/or brake system 93.

Specification of GPS-Tracked Wireless Networked QR Code Driven Access Controlled Wheel Chair in Accordance with the Present Invention

FIG. 19 shows a GPS-tracked wireless networked wheel chair 110 with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network 1.

FIG. 20 shows the GPS-tracked wireless networked wheel chair 110 provided with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network 1. As shown in FIG. 20, the GPS-tracked wireless networked wheelchair 110 comprises: a wheelchair body portion 110A adapted for supporting a child or adult, and pair of wheels 110B, with a braking system 111; and wireless remote control module system 112 supporting electronics, and being integrated with the wheelchair and its control and drive electronics, if and as may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 20, the wireless remote control electronics module system comprises: a microprocessor and memory architecture interfaced with a system bus; a GPS module (e.g. UBlock® GPS/GNSS Module) 118; a video camera 119 with field of view (FOV) integrated to the system bus 117; an I/O module supporting a keypad and electronic-ink and LCD display panel, and a Bluetooth and WIFI network adapter and various antennas to support RF and GPS communications with various systems on the wireless system network; a network adapter/controller 121 for providing TCP/IP network access to the wireless system network 1 of the present invention, and all services supported on the Internet; and an electronically controlled wheel axel control module (ECWCM) interfaced with the system bus 117, for controlling access to the vehicle wheels and/or propulsion/drive system.

Specification of System Architecture of an Exemplary Mobile Computing System Deployed on the Wireless System Network of the Present Invention

FIG. 21 shows a mobile smartphone system (e.g. Apple iPhone device). FIG. 22 shows a mobile tablet computing system (e.g. Apple iPad device). FIG. 23 shows the system architecture for each mobile smartphone system and/or mobile tablet computing system shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, and depicted in FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and throughout the Patent Specification.

FIG. 23 illustrate the system architecture of an exemplary mobile computing system (e.g. system component) 130 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 and deployed on the wireless system network of the present invention 1, and supporting the many services offered by system network servers. As shown in FIG. 23, the mobile computing device 130 can include a memory interface 202, one or more data processors, image processors and/or central processing units 204, and a peripherals interface 206. The memory interface 202, the one or more processors 204 and/or the peripherals interface 206 can be separate components or can be integrated in one or more integrated circuits. One or more communication buses or signal lines can couple the various components in the mobile device. Sensors, devices, and subsystems can be coupled to the peripherals interface 206 to facilitate multiple functionalities. For example, a motion sensor 210, a light sensor 212, and a proximity sensor 214 can be coupled to the peripherals interface 206 to facilitate the orientation, lighting, and proximity functions. Other sensors 216 can also be connected to the peripherals interface 206, such as a positioning system (e.g., GPS receiver), a temperature sensor, a biometric sensor, a gyroscope, or other sensing device, to facilitate related functionalities. A camera subsystem 220 and an optical sensor 222, e.g., a charged coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor, can be utilized to facilitate camera functions, such as recording photographs and video clips. Communication functions can be facilitated through one or more wireless communication subsystems 224, which can include radio frequency receivers and transmitters and/or optical (e.g., infrared) receivers and transmitters. The specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem 224 can depend on the communication network(s) over which the mobile computing device 130 is intended to operate. For example, a mobile device 130 may include communication subsystems 224 designed to operate over a GSM network, a GPRS network, an EDGE network, a Wi-Fi or WiMax network, and a Bluetooth™ network. In particular, the wireless communication subsystems 224 may include hosting protocols such that the mobile computing device 130 may be configured as a base station for other wireless devices. An audio subsystem 226 can be coupled to a speaker 228 and a microphone 230 to facilitate voice-enabled functions, such as voice recognition, voice replication, digital recording, and telephony functions. The I/O subsystem 240 can include a touch screen controller 242 and/or other input controller(s) 244. The touch-screen controller 242 can be coupled to a touch screen 246. The touch screen 246 and touch screen controller 242 can, for example, detect contact and movement or break thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensitivity technologies, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with the touch screen 246. The other input controller(s) 244 can be coupled to other input/control devices 248, such as one or more buttons, rocker switches, thumb-wheel, infrared port, USB port, and/or a pointer device such as a stylus. The one or more buttons (not shown) can include an up/down button for volume control of the speaker 228 and/or the microphone 230. Such buttons and controls can be implemented as a hardware objects, or touch-screen graphical interface objects, touched and controlled by the system user. Additional features of mobile computing device 130 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,631,358 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, each mobile smartphone 130 requires a web-enabled browser program, such as Apple® Safari http browser program for the Apple® iPhone device 130 and the Apple® iPad® device 130, or any suitable web browser program for other brands of mobile phones, such as offered by Samsung, Google, Microsoft and others. The mobile smartphone 130 should also be capable of scanning and reading any machine readable code 40 described herein, including optical code symbols and/or RFID tags, as the wireless access and control application at hand may require to be properly and adequately supported on the access and control system network of the present invention.

Alternatively, a native mobile application may be designed, developed and installed on any mobile computing system 130 to provide the mobile computing device 130 with the capacity to read machine-readable code symbols in accordance with the present invention, and support the display of GUI screens on the mobile device to support the rental, access and control services provided to the user by the service provider. In most applications, it is expected that native mobile applications designed for practicing components of the present invention will be (i) web/http-enabled despite running on native code, and (ii) enable the receipt, display and transmission of HMTL documents (e.g. webpages) on the mobile phone devices 130, in a manner well known in the Internet arts and Web-based technology pioneered by Tim Berners-Lee who is the primary inventor of the World Wide Web (WWW). However, it is possible that someday HTML as we currently know it, may evolve into something different, and even called by a different or alternative name, but notwithstanding may serve as an enabling technology useful for practicing the various inventions disclosed herein.

Specification of Database Schema for the Database Component Used on the Wireless System Network of the Present Invention

FIG. 24A illustrate object-oriented libraries that will be stored and executable within the cluster of application servers within the data centers supporting the wireless system network of the present invention, an realizing the many services supported on the wireless access control system network of the present invention.

FIG. 24B represents a database structure associated with an exemplary relational database management system (RDBMS) used to illustrate a database architecture that will be designed and developed to support the wireless control access system network of the present invention, with the exemplary suite of services described in detail herein.

During the design and development of the system network, a data schema will be created for the object-oriented system-engineered (DOSE) software component thereof, for execution on a client-server architecture. In general, the software component of the system network will consist of classes, and these classes can be organized into frameworks or libraries that support the generation of graphical interface objects within GUI screens, control objects within the application or middle layer of the enterprise-level application, and enterprise or database objects represented within the system database (RDBMS) 12. Preferably, the RDBMS will be structured according to a database schema comprising enterprise objects, represented within the system database (e.g. RDBMS), including, for example: facilities including amusement and theme parks, recreational parks, centers and stadiums; rental equipment providers; vendors; service providers (e.g. instructors, trainers, medical personal); guest ID; facility managers; system user ID; Site ID; Site location; mobile phone ID; guest/visitor ID; mobile computer ID for computers deployed on the system network; and many other objects used to model the many different aspects of the system being developed. These objects and the database schema will be used and reflected in a set of object-oriented software modules developed for the system.

Each software module contains classes (written in an object-oriented programming language) supporting the system network of the present invention including, for example, the user registration module, vendor registration module, service provider registration module, mobile client computer registration module, user account management module, log-in module, settings module, contacts module, search module, data synchronization module, help module, and many other modules supporting the selection, delivery and monitoring of system monitoring related services supported on the system network of the present invention.

FIG. 24C shows a table (i.e. schema) used to create data records stored in the a local database 315 maintained within each network device (e.g. locker system 150, stroller, ECV or wheelchair) maintaining the various records for the device, which in the case of a networked locker device, would include: device # (e.g. locker #), and containing data records such as, for example: locker #; housing (e.g. cabinet) #; device/locker size; device/locker status (e.g. available; rented; out of order); Track ID (e.g. regular, medium, or fast); interior digital camera system(s) (FOV1=Y/N; FOV2=Y/N); lock #1 status (i.e. opened or closed) for single sided lockers and other single lock devices; lock #2 status (i.e. opened or closed) for double-sided storage lockers; IP Address for locker; rental transaction identifier (i.e. unique code assigned to rental transaction by rental server); guest PIN (i.e. 4 digits) stored by specific guest; device (phone) ID assigned to phone scanning the locker #; Device (Phone) ID (e.g. electronic cookie or digital token generated and stored in cache memory of the phone (e.g. randomly generated number for the rental transaction, or code generated based on MAC address and/or other phone identifier). These data records are used throughout the practice of the methods of access and control of the present invention described and specified herein, and will be generally different for the different kinds of networked devices managed on the system network 1, due to the different physical attributes of each such device.

FIG. 24D shows a schema for the database records that are stored in the global database system maintained in RDBMS server 12 for each networked locker unit in the network storage locker system 150, and other networked devices located at different sites that are being managed by the system network of the present invention 1.

FIG. 24E illustrates a relational data structure formed and maintained within the RDBMS on the network database servers 12 of the system network of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 12 and 15, wherein for each rental transaction carried out within a particular facility supported by the system network, a relational-type rental transaction data structure is created and maintained. As shown in FIG. 24E, this data structure is representable by a tree-type data structure identified by (i) its rental transaction identifier assigned by the system, linked/related to (ii) device (phone) ID (e.g. electronic/digital cookie/token generated transaction ID) assigned to and stored in cache memory on the mobile phone 130 scanning (iii) a Facility-Level QR Code, Site/Ride-Level QR Code or Device/Locker-Level QR Code to initiate the rental of a double-sided storage locker 151, and (iv) the locker # of the locker being rented by the guest by scanning either a Facility-Level QR Code, a Site-Level QR Code or a Device/Door-Level QR Code using the mobile phone identified and tagged by the system using the device ID (e.g. digital token) stored in memory on the scanning mobile phone 130.

FIG. 24F illustrates an automated process of looking up the facility, site and/or locker rented by a guest using a particular mobile scanning phone 130 to scan (i.e. read) unique Facility-Level QR Codes posted at the entrance and about a facility (e.g. theme park), a Site-Level QR Code posted at ride or attraction sites, and a Device/Door-Level QR Code posted on each door of each storage locker 151 supported in a networked locker system of the present invention 150.

As shown in Step 1 of FIG. 24F, the first step of the process involves the STEP 1: Guest uses Web-Enabled Mobile Phone 130 to scan Facility-Level QR Code posted at Park Facility, a Site-Level QR Code posted at a Site, or a Device/Door-Level QR Code posted on each Device (e.g. Door of a Locker Unit in the Storage Locker System 150).

As shown in Step 2 of FIG. 24F, the second step of the process involves the System decodes the QR Code and automatically resolves (i) its embedded URL Link in scanned QR Code, and (ii) the Unique Code embedded therein to represent a Facility, Site or Locker Door.

As shown in Step 3 of FIG. 24F, the third step of the process involves System instructs the processor located at the Resolved URL to process the embedded QR Code (Number) using a Look-Up Database Table (maintaining Links between Door-Level QR Codes and Locker Doors, Site-Level QR Codes and Sites, and Facility-Level QR Codes and Facilities) so as to either identify automatically (i) the Park Facility to which the Facility-Level QR Code was uniquely assigned, (ii) the Site to which the Site-Level QR Code was uniquely assigned, or (iii) the Locker # to which the Device/Door-Level QR Code was uniquely assigned.

As shown in Step 4 of FIG. 24F, the fourth step of the process involves if a Facility is uniquely identified by a scanned Facility-Level QR Code, then look-up, update and/or analyze facility fata in the System Network Database; if a Site is uniquely by a Scanned Site-Level QR Code, then look-up, update and/or analyze Site Data in the System Network Database; and if a locker is uniquely identified by a Scanned Device/Door-Level QR Code, then look-up, update and/or analyze Locker Data in the System Network Database.

This automated facility, site and locker look-up process of the present invention is employed throughout the methods specified herein, and as described throughout the present Patent Specification. While the illustrative embodiments of the present invention employ QR Codes with embedded URLs pointing to particular process and unique codes uniquely assigned to enterprise-level objects within a Facility, having one or more (ride or attraction) Sites, and many different network storage lockers, it is understood that this look-up process can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Implementing the Mobile Client Machines and Wireless Devices on the Wireless System Network of the Present Invention

In one illustrative embodiment, the enterprise-level wireless system network of the present invention is supported by a robust suite of hosted services delivered to (i) Web-based client subsystems 130 using an application service provider (ASP) model, and also to (ii) remote monitoring services deployed for various kinds of stationary and/or mobile systems to be monitored, as described above and below. In this embodiment, the Web-enabled mobile clients 130 can be realized using a web-browser application running on the operating system (OS) of a computing device 130 (e.g. Linux, Application IOS, etc.) to support online modes of system operation. It is understood, however, that some or all of the services provided by the system network can be accessed using Java clients, or a native client application running on the operating system (OS) of a client computing device 130 to support both online and limited off-line modes of system operation.

Specification of GPS-Tracked Wireless Networked Locker System with QR-Code Driven Access Controlled Locker Units According to the Present Invention

FIG. 25 shows a GPS-tracked wireless networked (transportable/potable) locker system of the present invention fully equipped with QR code driven access control using the GPS-tracking wireless system network of the present invention, and supporting electronic-ink display panels on each locker front door to display QR codes, user instructions, messages and graphical indicia including advertising required or suggested by the principles of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 25, the GPS-tracked wireless networked (transportable/potable) locker system 150 comprises: a locker cabinet with a plurality of electronically-controlled lockers 151, stored in a transportable cabinet 152 (with wheels as application requires), and electronics and communications equipment as shown in FIG. 25. As shown, each locker unit 151 comprises: a rugged housing for containing objects and at least one hinged door provided with an electronic lock unit 153; a door-level QR code 40C physically posted or electronically displayed on the door surface using its E-ink panel 154; an e-ink display controller 155 for the locker unit; RGY locker status LED lights 152; a local lock controller 156 for controlling the electronic lock control module; a keypad 159 for each lock controller mounted on the locker door, enabling the manual entry of digital lock code selected by the user; a network controller 159 for interfacing with the TCP/IP infrastructure 11 and communicating each locker unit with the wireless system network servers on the access control network system 1, as described herein; an internal digital video camera with a field of view (FOV) on the interior of the locker cabinet, and an external video camera with a field of view on the exterior of the locker facing the user to enable facial recognition as desired or required by the application; a GPS module 158 interfaced with the lock controller and its system bus and programmed processor, to provide real-time GPS coordinate with each locker transaction; and a Bluetooth and WIFI network adapter and various antennas to support RF and GPS communications with various systems on the wireless system network, including a guest user's web-enabled mobile phone system 130.

As shown in FIG. 25, the GPS-tracked wireless networked (transportable/potable) locker system 151 is operably connected to the Internet's TCP/IP infrastructure 11, to which is connected various computing resources including: electronic payment systems 13 to support e-commerce payment transactions (e.g. ApplePay®, credit and debit card transactions, PayPal®, etc.); the data centers 12 to support the wireless system network 1 shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12; a web-based networked locker directory server 160; mobile computing devices 130 such as millions of mobile smartphones 130 deployed on the wireless system network; and web, application and database servers 12 associated with thousands of third-party service providers and vendors desiring to serve the guests and visitors of the facilities served by the system network of the present invention 1.

FIG. 26A shows a pair of locker units 151 in the network wireless networked locker cabinet system 150 shown in FIG. 26, each having an electronic-ink (E-ink) display panel 154 for displaying QR codes, guest-customized rented locker identifiers (e.g. text, symbols and/or graphics), user instructions, messages, as well as advertisements and promotions. It is understood that the network infrastructure of the present invention will support programming of the E-ink display panel 154 using remote servers allowing for remote client machines to be used by others to select and program the messaging to be display on the surface of these double-sided ride storage lockers. The messages can be form vendors and/or service providers at the park seeking to advertise and promote their products and services to guests visiting the park facility. Preferably, the e-ink graphics display panel 154 will be realized using state-of-the-art bistable display media, such as disclosed in US Patent No. 7,757,954, and various patents cited therein, each incorporated herein by reference as it fully set forth herein.

FIGS. 26AB and 26B shows a locker unit in FIG. 20A, with its locker door opened and configured for storage and access of personal belongings, in the locker unit 151. As shown, the FOV#1 and FOV#2 are projected from embedded miniature digital camera systems 310 through the interior of each respective locker unit 151, capturing and processing digital images of objects within the FOVS and searching for (i) the presence of objects (e.g. personal belongings) therein as after a locker has been rented, or (ii) the absence of objects in the FOV as after a locker rental has been terminated.

As shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, each locker unit 151 is also provided with a pair of IR-based object sensing transmitters and receivers 320, each constructed from solid-state IR-LED devices, and each pair of IR object transceivers 320 establishing an IR sensing beam spanning across the interior of the locker unit, sensing for the presence and/or absence of objects (e.g. personal belongings) stored therein at any moment in time. Preferably, a pair of X configured IR sensing beams (X) are installed inside the interior space of each locker unit 151 so as to provide the required spatial sensing coverage to practice the automated object presence/absence detection methods required to support the locker rental and access control operations within the double-sided ride storage locker system of the present invention 150.

FIG. 26B shows the storage side locker door opened for storing personal belongings into the interior storage cabinet 150 of the respective double-sided locker unit 151, upon accessing and controlling the electronic locker unit using the QR code symbol scanning and/or PIN code accessing methods of the present invention described in great detail herein.

FIG. 26 shows the GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system 150 with QR code driven access controlled locker units 151, each having an electronic-ink (E-ink) display panel 154 for displaying QR codes 40C, user instructions, messages, as well as advertisements.

FIG. 27A shows the double-sided locker units 151 of FIG. 26A, with the left sided locker configured so that its E-ink display panel 303 indicates the “locker available” state, and displaying a Door-Level QR code on the E-ink display panel 154, and readily available for scanning by a guest's web-enabled mobile phone 130 so as to receive the services from the system network of the present invention, as described in detail herein.

FIG. 27B shows the locker units of FIG. 26A, with the left sided locker configured in the “locker rented & in use” state, displaying a user-selected message “SPARK123” on its E-ink display panel 154, which is selectable by the guest during the rental transaction using a GUI screen served by the network servers during the rental transaction process. The GUI screen, served to the guest's mobile phone display 130, will display a message inviting the guest user with the option to provide a custom fixed length name, or even graphical icon (created using the phone's touch screen display) for display on both the ingress and egress side door panels of a rented locker so that the guest user, and his or her party/group/family, can easily recognize the rented locker on both the ingress and egress sides of the rented double sided locker unit 151. When this option is selected, the facility/site assigned locker # will remain displayed always on the doors of the locker units, but this custom display signage can and should serve to augment the customization and identification of a rented double-sided ride locker, in the hectic and exciting environment in which such ride storage locker systems 150 will be installed and deployed at ride sites around the world.

FIG. 27C shows the locker units of FIG. 26A, with the left-sided locker 151 in the “locker available” state, displaying a Door-Level QR code once again on the E-ink display panel 154 on both sides of the double-sided locker unit 151.

Using e-ink (i.e. bi-stable electronic display media) to realize display panels 154 has the advantage of assisting guests to display personally meaningful marks/symbols which can be quickly seen and recognized at both the ingress and egress sides of the double-sided ride storage locker system of the present invention 150.

Specification on Overview of Multi-Level Code Scanning Driven Method of and System for Accessing and Controlling Rented Networked Devices Within an Environment Having Different Site Locations Where Rented Networked Devices Might be Accessed and Used

As will be described in greater detail below, there are three primary code scanning workflows that guest users can undertake to rent, access, control and use networked devices (e.g. storage locker systems, EVCs, strollers, wheelchairs etc.) using mobile smartphones and other mobile computing devices 130 to scan QR Codes, display messages, and receipts, and instructions on how to use the rented networked devices and systems with minimal contact of public surfaces. These three primary code scanning workflows are identified as follows: Facility-Level Code Scanning Followed by Device-Level Scanning shown in FIGS. 28A through 32C; Site-Level Code Scanning Followed by Device-Level Scanning shown in FIGS. 33A through 37D; and Device-Level Code Scanning Followed by Door-Level Scanning shown in FIGS. 38A through 42E. Each of these scanning workflows and associated methods will be described in greater detail below with reference to underlying data processing methods that provide the system with intelligence and significant levels of automation in the field of device rental, access and control.

Notably, in each of these three workflows of the preferred illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the system administrator of the network devices (e.g. storage locker system 150) has the option of enabling the guest user to: (i) to automatically open the locker upon successfully scanning the Device-Level QR Code on rented locker unit, without manual entry of the guest-set 4 digit access PIN on either the virtual keypad or hardware keypad 158 provide on each locker door; (ii) to automatically open the locker upon successfully scanning the Device-Level QR Code on the of the rented locker unit, and also manual entering the guest-set 4 digit access PIN on the virtual keypad; or (iii) automatically open the locker upon successfully manually entering the guest-set 4 digit access PIN on the hardware keypad 158 provide on the locker door of the rented locker. Any one or more of these locker opening methods can be enabled by a system administer using programming techniques known in the art to enable any guest user, or guest users, to open locker doors of rented lockers installed at sites within a facility.

While first locker access method described above (i) has the advantage of quick locker door access by the simple scanning of a Door-Level QR Code scanned by an authorized mobile phone containing a transaction identifier (i.e. digital cookie) linked to a specific locker unit and rental transaction identifier maintained within the locally and globally maintained database systems of the present invention, there is still the unlikely and low risk of theft and fraud should the phone get lost or stolen and then used to open a rented locker authorized by the phone.

The second locker access method is based on a form of 2 factor authentication, requiring both code scanning with the phone and entry of the access PIN via the virtual keypad supported by the mobile phone. This is the most secure method supported on the system, and is preferred in most instances.

The third locker access method only requires entering the access PIN selected for the rented locker using the hardware physical keypad 158 mounted on the locker door, to automatically open the door of a rented locker. When enabled, this method allows guest users to access their rented lockers on both the storage-side and retrieval-side of a rented locker, even when electrical power and network connectivity within the facility is disrupted for one reason or another, given that back-up battery power is supported to each double-sided locker system 150 of the present invention. This prevents guests from ever being locked out of rented lockers and their ability to retrieval personal belongings under almost any set of circumstances within a facility that may cause disruption in services.

Preferably, all three device access control methods described above are enabled to operate with each of the code scanning workflows described below and specified in the Drawings.

Specification of the Method of Managing Access Control to a Networked Locker System by Scanning Facility-Level QR Codes Posted at the Entrance Gate or Outside of an Amusement Park Facility Using a Mobile Smartphone Wireless Connected to the Wireless Access Control System Network of the Present Invention

FIGS. 28A, 28B, 28C and 28D describes the primary steps involved when carrying out the methods of managing access control to a networked locker system 150 by scanning facility-level QR codes 40A posted at the entrance gate or outside of an amusement park facility 800, using a mobile smartphone 130 wireless connected to the wireless access control system network of the present invention.

FIG. 29A shows a perspective view of an amusement park facility 800, with a sign posted at the entrance date of the park, displaying a Facility-Level QR code 40A as shown in FIG. 29B which, upon scanning with a web-enabled mobile smartphone 130, is engineered to direct the guest user to a web-based e-commerce-enabled locker rental and access control transaction having the largest scope of services, encapsulating the entire facility. This allows guest users to select a Site location of choice within the amusement park 800 for their locker rental within the amusement park, and then allow the wireless system network to automatically assign an available locker to the guest at the selected Site.

FIG. 29B shows an enlarged view of the Facility-Level QR Code 40A posted at the entrance gate of the amusement park illustrated in FIG. 29A.

Method of Renting, Accessing and Controlling a Networked Device (e.g. Storage Locker) by Scanning Facility-Level QR Code at Facility Level, and Then Scanning a Device-Level QR Code on the Rented Device at a Site

FIG. 29C describes the primary data processing steps that take place when practicing the method of renting, accessing and controlling a networked device (e.g. storage locker or stroller) according to the present invention, particularly, when (i) first scanning a Facility-Level QR code 40A at a park using a web-enabled mobile phone to rent a networked device (e.g. storage locker or stroller), and (ii) then scanning a Device-level QR code 40C on the rented device at a site in the facility when it is time for access and use at the site in the facility, as the case may be.

While the method summarized above, and described in greater detail below, is a typical use case when using the Facility-Level/Device-Level Scanning Methods of the present invention disclosed and claimed herein, there will be other embodiments of this general method that will be adapted to serve the varied needs and requirements of a multitude of applications around the world. Below the illustrative method will be described in greater technical detail with reference to actions undertaken by both the guest and system during the distributed data processing method, using the data elements collected, stored and managed within the database system represented in FIGS. 15, 24C, 24D, 24E and 24F and elsewhere in this Patent Specification.

As indicated at Step 1 of FIG. 29C, the method involves the guest user using a Web-Enabled Mobile Phone 130 to scan a Facility-Level QR Code 40A posted at a Facility having one or more Sites (e.g. Rides/Attractions) supporting a plurality of rental networked devices (e.g. storage lockers 151 within a specified locker cabinet of the double-sided locker system 150).

As indicated at Step 2 of FIG. 29C, the method involves the system (i.e. system servers 12) automatically generating and storing a Rental Transaction Record and Identifier in the System Database 12 in response to the scanning of the Facility-Level QR Code 40A and rental of a networked device (e.g. Storage Locker 151) during a web-based e-commerce rental transaction.

As indicated at Step 3 of FIG. 29C, the method involves the system 12 automatically generates and stores a Device Identifier (i.e. Digital Token/Cookie) on the Mobile Phone 130 scanning the Facility-Level QR Code. The system then requests the guest to enter his or her Access PIN (e.g. 4 digit code), and then the system automatically assigns a networked device (e.g. locker #) to the guest (though this could be a selection process providing the guest to choose a locker at the Ride Site) and issues the locker rental agreement. The cookie (i.e. digital token) stored on the mobile phone can be randomly generated for the rental transaction, or may be derived from the MAC address of the mobile phone 130, or other digital token generating methods suitable for the purpose at hand to provide a unique and secure identifier for the particular web-enabled mobile phone 130 that was used to scan and read a particular Facility-Level QR Code.

As indicated at Step 4 of FIG. 29C, the method involves, at the door level, the guest using the Mobile Phone 130 to scan a Device-Level QR Code 40C on the Rented Storage Locker 151 (i.e. rented networked device).

As indicated at Step 5 of FIG. 29C, the method involves the system automatically reading and updating the Rental Transaction Record and Identifier stored in the System Database maintained on the Datacenter Servers 12.

As indicated at Step 6 of FIG. 29C, the method involves the system automatically reading the Device Identifier (i.e. Cookie) stored on the Mobile Phone 130 used to scan the Facility-Level QR Code 40A and rent the networked device (e.g. Double-sided Locker 151) and then access and use the device (e.g. open the locker door and store personal belongings).

As indicated at Step 7 of FIG. 29C, the method involves, after the guest completes the ride experience, for the guest, at the door level, to then use the Mobile Phone 130 to scan Device-Level QR Code 40C on the rented Double-Sided Locker 151.

As indicated at Step 8 of FIG. 29C, the method involves the system automatically reading and updating the Rental Transaction Record and identifier stored in the System Database 12.

As indicated at Step 9 of FIG. 29C, the method involves the system automatically reading the Device Identifier (i.e. Cookie) on Mobile Phone 130 used to scan the Facility-Level QR Code 40A and the Device-Level QR Code 40C. The system also requests the guest to enter the Access PIN and then determines and displays on the mobile phone display if an extra rental fee is due because the locker rental time went over the agreed to rental limit (i.e. rental time overage) set by the ride ticket held by the guest, as managed by the ride management server 351 in FIG. 351, connected to the system via an application programming interface (API), as shown in FIG. 15.

As indicated at Step 10 of FIG. 29C, the method involves the guest then using the Mobile Scanning Phone 130 to access the Rented Locker 151, retrieve belongings therefrom, pay for extra locker rental time if and as required by determined locker rental overage, and then terminates the rental transaction.

As indicated at Step 11 of FIG. 29C, the method involves the system automatically reading and updating the Rental Transaction Record and Identifier stored in the System Database, to reflect that the Storage Locker is AVAILABLE for rental and use.

As indicated at Step 12 of FIG. 29C, the method involves the system automatically driving the Device (Rental) Status Indication Light (LED) on the available Device (e.g. Storage Locker 151) to indicate rental AVAILABILITY Status, for recognition by guest users who are searching for a rental device at the Site.

These above described data processing operation supported behind the scenes on the system network of the present invention are exemplary in nature and may be practiced differently depending on the particular illustrative embodiment being practiced for any given situation. In the illustrative embodiment described above, the system requested the guest user to provide an access PIN, after scanning a Door-Level QR Code to access a rented double-sided storage locker, to provide a form of 2-factor authentication for added security. However, it is understood in alternative embodiments practicing 1-factor authentication, it is possible for the system network to automatically unlock and open a rented locker unit upon the guest user (i) using his or her web-enabled mobile phone to scan and read its Door-Level QR code as described in detail herein, or (ii) manually entering the access PIN via the physical keypad provided on each side door on the rented double-sided locker unit.

Method of Practicing a Facility-Level Access Control by Scanning of a Facility-Level QR Code for Renting a Networked Device, and Then Scanning a Device-Level QR Code for Accessing and Controlling the Rented Network Device

The method described and illustrated in FIGS. 28A through 28D is supported by the GUI screens shown in FIG. 30A through 30J.

As indicated in Step A of FIG. 28A, and shown in FIG. 30A, a mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a facility-level access control method by (i) scanning of a Facility-Level QR Code 40A, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application (e.g. Apple Safari) to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Facility-Level QR Code, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Facility Entry” (RTI-FE) (e.g. digital token/cookie) within the cache on the mobile smartphone.

As indicated in Step B of FIG. 28A, and shown in FIG. 30B, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a facility-level access control method by selecting which Site within the Facility (e.g. Main Gate, South Entrance, or Picnic Area) where the guest user would like to rent and access a storage locker 151 to store personal belongings.

As indicated in Step C of FIG. 28B, and shown in FIG. 30C, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a facility-level access control method by selecting the time/date of the locker rental at the Site within the Facility when would the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings.

As indicated in Step D of FIG. 28B, and shown in FIG. 30D a mobile smartphone deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a facility-level access control method by selecting the networked device (e.g. locker) size (e.g. small, large, jumbo) at the selected Site within the Facility which the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings.

As indicated in Step E of FIG. 28B, and shown in FIG. 30E, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a facility-level access control method by the guest user requesting to rent the locker previously specified by the site, time/date, and device (e.g. locker) size selected by the guest within the Facility, while displaying the price of the locker rental and availability at the time of the rental offer (prior to acceptance and order placement).

As indicated at Step F of FIG. 28B, and shown in FIG. 30F, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a facility-level access control method by the user's selection of four-digit passcode for use in opening the rental device (e.g. locker or stroller), and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in the RDBMS of the wireless access control system network.

As indicated in Step G of FIG. 28B, and shown in FIG. 30G the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a facility-level access control method by displaying the selected networked device (e.g. locker) size and user passcode, and entering the guest's phone number to which the system network will transmit locker information and rental receipt via SMS/text once the user enters the phone number information and selects SAVE and CONTINUE, to initiate the web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported locker access control servers maintained at the data center.

As indicated in Step H of FIG. 28C, and shown in FIG. 30H the mobile smartphone deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a facility-level access control method by displaying the selected device (e.g. locker or stroller) size, entered passcode, text receipt phone number, and total price of the locker rental (tax included), and providing several options for the user to make payment (e.g. using ApplePay® or using a credit card or debit card of the user, in which case, the card number and expiration date, i.e. month/year are requested).

As indicated in Step I of FIG. 28C, and shown in FIG. 301 the mobile smartphone deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a facility-level access control method by displaying, after the prior payment transaction has been successfully completed, a message that the networked device (e.g. locker, stroller or ECV) is ready, along with the selected location MAIN GATE, locker # and passcode, and a message to open the locker at its location, by either scanning the device-level QR code on the locker door, or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad where and as provided.

As indicated in Step J of FIG. 28C, and shown in FIG. 30J, the mobile smartphone deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a facility-level access control method by displaying, after scanning the device-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message that the locker is OPEN, and upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Device-Level QR Code.

Specification of Method of Managing Access Control to a Networked Storage Locker Within an Amusement Park Enterprise by Scanning a Device-Level QR Code After Scanning a Facility Level QR Code Using a Mobile Smartphone Connected to the Wireless Access Control System Network of the Present Invention

FIG. 28D describes the primary steps involved when carrying out the methods of managing access control to a networked locker system by scanning device-level QR codes 40C posted on networked device (e.g. locker or stroller) rented at an amusement park facility, using a mobile smartphone 130 wirelessly connected to the wireless access control system network of the present invention 1.

FIG. 31 shows a Device-Level QR Code 40C (i.e. a machine-readable code, such as an optically-readable bar code symbol and/or RFID encoded tag component) physically posted or electrically displayed on the front door surface of each locker unit 151 in the GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system 150 illustrated in FIG. 26.

The method described and illustrated in FIG. 28D is supported by the GUI screens shown in FIG. 32A through 32C.

As indicated in Step K of FIG. 28D, and shown in FIG. 32A, a mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to scan a Device-Level QR Code 40C after scanning a facility-level QR Code 40A, by (i) the scanning of the Door-Level QR code 40C on the rented locker using the user's web-enabled mobile smartphone, (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Device-Level QR Code 40C, and (iii) executing the access control transaction script for the locker rental transaction identified by the “Rental Transaction Identifier-Facility Entry” (e.g. digital token/cookie) stored on the phone by the application servers, so as to determine the state of the transaction for the Device-Level Access Control Method.

As indicated at Step L of FIG. 28D, and shown in FIG. 32B, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a facility-level access control method, by displaying a message that the “Locker Is in Use” (e.g. Locker Number 154), and requesting the user to enter his or her unique 4 digital passcode, and the select the button “OPEN MY LOCKER”.

As indicated at Step M of FIG. 28D, and shown in FIG. 32C, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a facility-level access control method, by displaying, after scanning the device-level QR code 40C or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message that the locker is OPEN, and upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Device-Level QR Code 40C, allowing the user to either (i) store personal belongings in the storage locker or access stored personal belongings from the accessed locker 151, as the case may be.

The above-described machine-readable code-driven access control method of the present invention shows how it is now possible to enable wireless rental, access and control to a specified locker (151) in a GPS-specified networked locker system 150 using a web-enabled smartphone 130, to read a Device-Level machine-readable (QR) code symbol to automatically initiate direct communication with the web-based communication/application/database servers maintained with the data center 12 of the wireless system network 1, and conduct the supporting web-based transaction. Each time the code symbol is scanned and the guest user seeks to open or access a rented network device (e.g. locker), as well as an unavailable locker, transaction records of such events are recorded in the RDBMS of the data center 12.

However, during emergencies, when electrical power and/or Internet connectivity are disrupted, the system and method of the present invention allows the guest user to directly enter his or her digital password (e.g. PIN) into the keypad 158 provided on the rented locker unit 151, and locally operate its lock controller (provided with local battery power backup) and where the digital password (PIN) is stored in local memory 153 of the locker unit 151, as shown in FIG. 14, by the system network servers within the data center 12 during the web-based rental, access and control method of the present invention. This inventive feature allows the guest to unlock the electronically-controlled lock unit in locker unit 151, and open the locker door and access one's personal belongings while the locker system is disconnected from the Internet infrastructure and/or during local power disruptions. Details regarding this back-up local access method are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,990,110, US Patent Application No. US2019/0035186, incorporated herein by reference.

Also, during emergencies, when electrical power and/or Internet connectivity are disrupted, the system and method of the present invention also allows the guest user to locally communicate with the locker controller, through its network adapter and antennas (e.g. using Bluetooth and/or WIFI protocols), to establish a communication session between the mobile smartphone 130 and the rented locker unit 151, and then enter the guest's digital locker password (i.e. PIN) via the virtual keypad (GUI screen) on the mobile smartphone 130, to locally operate its lock controller (provided with local battery power backup), and where the digital password (PIN) is stored in local memory 153 of the locker unit 151, as shown in FIG. 14, by the system network servers within the data center 12 during the web-based rental, access and control method of the present invention. This inventive feature allows the guest to unlock the electronically-controlled lock unit of a rented locker unit 151, and open the locker door and access one's personal belongings while the locker system is disconnected from the Internet infrastructure and/or during local power disruptions.

Specification of the Method of Managing Access Control to a Networked Locker System by Scanning Site-Level QR Codes Posted at a Particular Site in an Amusement Park Facility, Using a Mobile Smartphone Wireless Connected to the Wireless Access Control System Network of the Present Invention

FIGS. 33A, 33B, and 33C describe the primary steps involved when carrying out the method of managing access control to a networked locker system by scanning site-level QR codes 40B posted at a particular Site in an amusement park facility, using a mobile smartphone wireless connected to the wireless access control system network of the present invention.

FIG. 34A illustrates an amusement park facility, with a sign posted at a Site in the park, displaying a Site-Level QR code 40B as shown in FIG. 34B which, upon scanning with a web-enabled mobile smartphone 130, is engineered to direct the guest user to a web-based e-commerce-enabled locker rental and access control transaction having a narrowed scope of services within the facility. This allows guest users to select a network device (e.g. storage locker, mobility solution or other service at the Site within the amusement park), and then allow the wireless system network to automatically assign, for example, an available locker, mobility solution or service to the guest at the selected Site. FIG. 34B shows and enlarged view of the Site-Level QR Code 40B posted at a Site within the amusement park illustrated in FIG. 34A, wherein at the Site Level, the user is able to scan a Site-Level QR code 40B that is intelligently assigned to that Site location, and users will select a size of the storage locker (or type of mobility solution desired or required), and the wireless system network will automatically assign an available locker to the user (or an available vehicle, wheelchair or stroller to the user) at that Site, as the case may be.

Method of Renting, Accessing and Controlling a Double-Sided Storage Locker by Scanning Site-Level QR Code at Park, Then Scanning a Door-Level QR Code on the Storage/Ingress Side of a Storage Locker at a Ride/Attraction Site, Then Scanning a QR Code on the Retrieval/Egress Side of the Storage Locker

FIG. 34C describes the primary data processing steps that take place when practicing the method of renting, accessing and controlling a networked device (e.g. storage locker or stroller) according to the present invention, particularly, when (i) first scanning a Site-Level QR code 40B at a park using a web-enabled mobile phone to rent a networked device (e.g. storage locker or stroller), and (ii) then scanning a Device-Level QR code 40C on the rented device at a site in the facility when it is time for access and use in the facility.

While the method summarized above, and described in greater detail below, is a typical use case when using the Site-Level/Device-Level Scanning Methods of the present invention disclosed and claimed herein, there will be other embodiments of this general method that will be adapted to serve the varied needs and requirements of a multitude of applications around the world. Below the illustrative method will be described in greater technical detail with reference to actions undertaken by both the guest and system during the distributed data processing method, using the data elements collected, stored and managed within the database system represented in FIGS. 15, 24C, 24D, 24E and 24F and elsewhere in this Patent Specification.

As indicated at Step 1 of FIG. 34C, the method involves the guest user using a Web-Enabled Mobile Phone 130 to scan a Site-Level QR Code 40B posted at a Facility having one or more Sites (e.g. Rides/Attractions) supporting a plurality of rental networked devices (e.g. storage lockers 151 within a specified locker cabinet of the double-sided locker system 150).

As indicated at Step 2 of FIG. 34C, the method involves the system (i.e. system servers 12) automatically generating and storing a Rental Transaction Record and Identifier in the System Database 12 in response to the scanning of the Site-Level QR Code 40B and rental of a networked device (e.g. Storage Locker 151) during a web-based e-commerce rental transaction.

As indicated at Step 3 of FIG. 34C, the method involves the system 12 automatically generates and stores a Device Identifier (i.e. Digital Token/Cookie) on the Mobile Phone 130 scanning the Site-Level QR Code 40B. The system then requests the guest to enter his or her Access PIN (e.g. 4 digit code), and then the system automatically assigns a networked device (e.g. locker #) to the guest (though this could be a selection process providing the guest to choose a locker at the Ride Site) and issues the locker rental agreement. The cookie (i.e. digital token) stored on the mobile phone can be randomly generated for the rental transaction, or may be derived from the MAC address of the mobile phone 130, or other digital token generating methods suitable for the purpose at hand to provide a unique and secure identifier for the particular web-enabled mobile phone 130 that was used to scan and read a particular Site-Level QR Code.

As indicated at Step 4 of FIG. 34C, the method involves, at the door level, the guest using the Mobile Phone 130 to scan a Device-Level QR Code 40C on the Rented Storage Locker 151 (i.e. rented networked device).

As indicated at Step 5 of FIG. 34C, the method involves the system automatically reading and updating the Rental Transaction Record and Identifier stored in the System Database maintained on the Datacenter Servers 12.

As indicated at Step 6 of FIG. 34C, the method involves the system automatically reading the Device Identifier (i.e. Cookie) stored on the Mobile Phone 130 used to scan the Site-Level QR Code 40B and rent the networked device (e.g. Double-sided Locker 151) and then access and use the device (e.g. open the locker door and store personal belongings).

As indicated at Step 7 of FIG. 34C, the method involves, after the guest completes the ride experience, for the guest, at the door level, to then use the Mobile Phone 130 to scan Device-Level QR Code 40C on the rented Double-Sided Locker 151.

As indicated at Step 8 of FIG. 34C, the method involves the system automatically reading and updating the Rental Transaction Record and identifier stored in the System Database 12.

As indicated at Step 9 of FIG. 34C, the method involves the system automatically reading the Device Identifier (i.e. Cookie) on Mobile Phone 130 used to scan the Site-Level QR Code 40B and the Device-Level QR Code 40C. The system also requests the guest to enter the Access PIN and then determines and displays on the mobile phone display if an extra rental fee is due because the locker rental time went over the agreed to rental limit (i.e. rental time overage) set by the ride ticket held by the guest, as managed by the ride management server 351 in FIG. 351, connected to the system via an application programming interface (API), as shown in FIG. 15.

As indicated at Step 10 of FIG. 34C, the method involves the guest then using the Mobile Scanning Phone 130 to access the Rented Locker 151, retrieve belongings therefrom, pay for extra locker rental time if and as required by determined locker rental overage, and then terminates the rental transaction.

As indicated at Step 11 of FIG. 34C, the method involves the system automatically reading and updating the Rental Transaction Record and Identifier stored in the System Database, to reflect that the Storage Locker is AVAILABLE for rental and use.

As indicated at Step 12 of FIG. 34C, the method involves the system automatically driving the Device (Rental) Status Indication Light (LED) on the available Device (e.g. Storage Locker 151) to indicate rental AVAILABILITY Status, for recognition by guest users who are searching for a rental device at the Site.

These above described data processing operation supported behind the scenes on the system network of the present invention are exemplary in nature and may be practiced differently depending on the particular illustrative embodiment being practiced for any given situation. In the illustrative embodiment described above, the system requested the guest user to provide an access PIN, after scanning a Device-Level QR Code 40C to access a rented storage locker, stroller, EVC or wheelchair (e.g. networked device), to provide a form of 2-factor authentication for added security. However, it is understood in alternative embodiments practicing 1-factor authentication, it is possible for the system network to automatically unlock and open a rented locker unit upon the guest user (i) using his or her web-enabled mobile phone to scan and read its Device-Level QR Code 40C as described in detail herein, or (ii) manually entering the access PIN via the physical keypad provided on each side door on the rented double-sided locker unit.

Method of Practicing a Facility-Level Access Control by Scanning of a Site-Level QR Code for Renting a Networked Device, and Then Scanning a Device-Level QR Code for Accessing and Controlling the Rented Network Device

The method described and illustrated in FIGS. 33A through 33C is supported by the GUI screens shown in FIG. 35A through 351.

As indicated at Step A of FIG. 33A, and as shown in FIG. 35A, a mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a site-level access control method by (i) the scanning of a Site-Level QR Code 40B, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Site-Level QR Code, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Site-Entry” (RTI-SE) (e.g. digital token/cookie) within the cache on the mobile smartphone.

As indicated at Step B of FIG. 33A, and as shown in FIG. 35B, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a site-level access control method by selecting the time/date of the locker rental at the Site within the Facility when would the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings.

As indicated at Step C of FIG. 33C, and as shown in FIG. 35C, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a site-level access control method by selecting the locker size (e.g. small, large, jumbo) at the selected Site within the Facility which the guest user would like to rent and access to store personal belongings.

As indicated at Step D of FIG. 33A, and as shown in FIG. 35D, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a site-level access control method by the guest user requesting to “Rent This Locker” previously specified by the Site, time/date, and locker size selected by the guest at the Site, while displaying the price of the locker rental and availability at the time of the rental offer (prior to acceptance and order placement).

As indicated at Step E of FIG. 33B, and as shown in FIG. 35E, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a site-level access control method by the user's selecting four-digit passcode for use in opening the rental locker, and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in the RDBMS of the wireless access control system network.

As indicated at Step F of FIG. 33B, and as shown in FIG. 35F, the mobile smartphone deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a site-level access control method by displaying the selected locker size and user passcode, and involving entering the guest's phone number to which the system network will transmit locker information and rental receipt via SMS/text once the user enters the phone number information and selects SAVE and CONTINUE, to initiate the web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported locker access control servers, maintained at the data center.

As indicated at Step G of FIG. 33B, and as shown in FIG. 35G, the mobile smartphone deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a site-level access control method by displaying the selected locker size, entered passcode, text receipt phone number, and total price of the locker rental (tax included), and providing several options for the user to make payment (e.g. using ApplePay® or using a credit card or debit card of the user, in which case, the card number and expiration date i.e. month/year are requested).

As indicated at Step H of FIG. 33B, and as shown in FIG. 35H, a mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a site-level access control method by displaying, after the prior payment transaction has been successfully completed, a message that the locker is ready, along with the selected locker # and user's passcode, and a Button enabled to open the locker at its location, by the user simply either scanning the device-level QR code 40C on the locker door, or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad (where and as provided).

As indicated at Step I of FIG. 33C, and as shown in FIG. 351, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a site-level access control method by displaying, after scanning the device-level QR code 40C or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message that the locker is OPEN, and upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Door-Level QR Code, and an END RENTAL Button for selection by the user to the end the locker rental.

Specification of Method of Enabling Contact-Less Access Control of Storage Locker Within an Amusement Park Enterprise by Scanning a Device-Level QR Code After Scanning a Site-Level QR Code Using a Mobile Smartphone Connected to the Wireless Access Control System Network of the Present Invention

FIGS. 33C and 33D describe the primary steps involved when carrying out the methods of managing access control to a networked locker system by scanning device-level QR codes 40C posted on locker rented at amusement park facility after scanning a site-level QR code 40B, using a mobile smartphone wireless connected to the wireless access control system network of the present invention.

FIG. 36 shows a Device-Level QR Code 40C (i.e. a machine-readable code, such as an optically-readable bar code symbol and/or RFID encoded tag component) physically posted or electrically displayed on the front door surface of each locker unit in the GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system 1 illustrated in FIG. 26.

The method described and illustrated in FIGS. 33C and 33D is supported by the GUI screens shown in FIG. 37A through 37D.

As indicated at Step J of FIG. 33C, and as shown in FIG. 37A, a mobile smartphone deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to scan a Device-Level QR Code 40C after scanning a Site-Level QR Code 40B by (i) the scanning of the Device-Level QR code on the rented network device (e.g. locker stroller) using the user's web-enabled mobile smartphone 130, (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Device-Level QR Code, and (iii) executing the access control transaction script for the locker rental transaction identified by the “Rental Transaction Identifier-Site Entry” (e.g. digital token/cookie) stored on the phone by the application servers, so as to determine the state of the transaction for the Device-Level Access Control Method.

As indicated at Step K of FIG. 33C, and as shown in FIG. 37B, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device-level access control method, after completing the site-level access control method, by displaying a message that the “Locker Is in Use” (e.g. Locker Number 154), and requesting the user to enter his or her unique 4 digital passcode, and the select the button “OPEN MY LOCKER”.

As indicated at Step L of FIG. 33D, and as shown in FIG. 37C, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device-level access control method, after completing the site-level access control method, by displaying a message asking the user (i) whether or not the user is “Done for the Day?”, in which case the user will no longer have access to the locker rental and all belongings should be removed from the locker before ending the locker rental, or (ii) whether or not the user wishes to continue using the locker for storage of personal belongings.

As indicated at Step M of FIG. 33D, and as shown in FIG. 37D, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a door-level access control method, after completing the site-level access control method, by scanning the door-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, and displaying a message that the locker is OPEN, and upon return, unlocking the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Device-Level QR Code 40C, and allowing the user to either store personal belongings in the storage locker or access stored personal belongings from the accessed locker, as the case may be, and an END RENTAL Button for selection by the user to the end the locker rental.

The above-described machine-readable code-driven access control method of the present invention shows how it is now possible to enable wireless rental, access and control to a specified locker (151) in a GPS-specified networked locker system 150 using a web-enabled smartphone 130, to read a Device-Level machine-readable (QR) code symbol to automatically initiate direct communication with the web-based communication/application/database servers maintained with the data center 12 of the wireless system network 1, and conduct the supporting web-based transaction. Each time the code symbol is scanned and the guest user seeks to open or access a rented network device (e.g. locker, as well as an unavailable locker) transaction records of such events are recorded in the RDBMS of the data center 12.

However, during emergencies, when electrical power and/or Internet connectivity are disrupted, the system and method of the present invention allows the guest user to directly enter his or her digital password (e.g. PIN) into the keypad 158 provided on the rented locker unit 151, and locally operate its lock controller (provided with local battery power backup) and where the digital password (PIN) is stored in local memory 153 of the locker unit 151, as shown in FIG. 14, by the system network servers within the data center 12 during the web-based rental, access and control method of the present invention. This inventive feature allows the guest to unlock the electronically-controlled lock unit in locker unit 151, and open the locker door and access one's personal belongings while the locker system is disconnected from the Internet infrastructure and/or during local power disruptions. Details regarding this back-up local access method are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,990,110, US Patent Application No. US2019/0035186, incorporated herein by reference.

Also, during emergencies, when electrical power and/or Internet connectivity are disrupted, the system and method of the present invention also allows the guest user to locally communicate with the locker controller, through its network adapter and antennas (e.g. using Bluetooth and/or WIFI protocols), to establish a communication session between the mobile smartphone 130 and the rented locker unit 151, and then enter the guest's digital locker password (i.e. PIN) via the virtual keypad (GUI screen) on the mobile smartphone 130, to locally operate its lock controller (provided with local battery power backup), and where the digital password (PIN) is stored in local memory 153 of the locker unit 151, as shown in FIG. 14, by the system network servers within the data center 12 during the web-based rental, access and control method of the present invention. This inventive feature allows the guest to unlock the electronically-controlled lock unit of a rented locker unit 151, and open the locker door and access one's personal belongings while the locker system is disconnected from the Internet infrastructure and/or during local power disruptions.

Method of Renting, Accessing and Controlling a Double-Sided Storage Locker by Scanning a Device-Level QR Code on the Networked Device (e.g. Locker or Stroller) for Rental at a Ride/Attraction Site, Then Scanning a QR Code on the Retrieval/Egress Side of the Double-Sided Storage Locker

FIG. 39C describes the primary data processing steps that take place when practicing the method of renting, accessing and controlling a double-sided storage locker according to the present invention, particularly, when avoiding scanning of Facility-Level QR Codes 40A and Site Level QR Codes 40B, and renting and accessing a networked device (e.g. a networked storage locker 151, networked ECV 70, networked stroller 90, or networked wheelchair 110) for rental, access and use by (i) first scanning a Device-level QR Code 40C on the networked device at a ride/attraction site to rent out the device under acceptable terms and conditions, and (ii) then scanning the Device-Level QR code 40C on the rented device whenever it is necessary to access, control and use the rented device in the facility under the terms of the rental agreement.

While the method summarized above, and described in greater detail below, is a typical use case when using the Device-Level/Device-Level Scanning Methods of the present invention disclosed and claimed herein, there will be other embodiments of this general method that will be adapted to serve the varied needs and requirements of a multitude of applications around the world. Below the illustrative method will be described in greater technical detail with reference to actions undertaken by both the guest and system during the distributed data processing method, using the data elements collected, stored and managed within the database system represented in FIGS. 15, 24C, 24D, 24E and 24F, and elsewhere in this Patent Specification.

As indicated at Step 1 of FIG. 39C, the method involves the guest user using a Web-Enabled Mobile Phone 130 to scan a Device-Level QR Code 40C posted on the ingress/storage side door panel of a double-sided storage locker 151 maintained within the locker cabinet of the locker system 150, for rental by the guest user to store personal belongings before embarking on the ride or attraction at the Ride/Attraction Site.

As indicated at Step 2 of FIG. 39C, the method involves the system (i.e. system servers 12) automatically generating and storing a Rental Transaction Record and Identifier in the System Database 12 in response to the scanning of the Device-Level QR Code 40C and rental of a networked device (e.g. Storage Locker 151 offered in the locker system 50) at a ride Site.

As indicated at Step 3 of FIG. 39C, the method involves the system 12 automatically generates and stores a Device Identifier (i.e. Cookie/Digital Token) on the Mobile Phone 130 scanning the Device-Level QR Code 40C. The system then requests the guest to enter his or her Access PIN (e.g. 4 digit code), and then the system automatically assigns a device # (e.g. locker #) to the guest (though this could be a selection process providing the guest to choose a locker at the Ride Site) and issues the locker rental agreement. The cookie (i.e. digital token) stored on the mobile phone 130 can be randomly generated for the rental transaction, or may be derived from the MAC address of the mobile phone 130, or other digital token generating methods suitable for the purpose at hand to provide a unique and secure identifier for the particular web-enabled mobile phone 130 that was used to scan and read a particular Device-Level QR Code 40C.

As indicated at Step 4 of FIG. 39C, the method involves the guest, after park experience, using the Mobile Phone 130 to scan Device-Level QR Code 40C on the rented Locker 151.

As indicated at Step 5 of FIG. 39C, the method involves the system automatically reading and updating the Rental Transaction Record and identifier stored in the System Database 12.

As indicated at Step 6 of FIG. 39C, the method involves the system automatically reading the Device Identifier (i.e. Cookie) on Mobile Phone 130 used to scan the Device-Level QR Code 40AC. The system also requests the guest to enter the Access PIN and then determines and displays on the mobile phone display if an extra rental fee is due because the rental time went over the agreed to rental limit (i.e. rental time overage) set by the rental agreement.

As indicated at Step 7 of FIG. 39C, the method involves the guest then using the Mobile Scanning Phone 130 to access the Rented Device (e.g. Locker 151 and retrieve belongings therefrom) and pay for extra rental time if and as required by determined locker rental overage, and then terminates the rental transaction.

As indicated at Step 8 of FIG. 39C, the method involves the system automatically reading and updating the Rental Transaction Record and Identifier stored in the System Database, to reflect that the Device (e.g. Locker) is once again AVAILABLE for rental and use.

As indicated at Step 19 of FIG. 39C, the method involves the system automatically driving the Rental Status Indication Light (LED) on the available Network Devices (e.g. Storage Locker 151) to indicate AVAILABILITY Status, for recognition by guest users who are searching for a particular device (e.g. storage locker, stroller, ECV, or wheelchair) to rent. These above described data processing operation supported behind the scenes on the system network of the present invention are exemplary in nature and may be practiced differently depending on the particular illustrative embodiment being practiced for any given situation. In the illustrative embodiment described above, the system requested the guest user to provide an access PIN, after scanning a Device-Level QR Code 40C to access a rented device (e.g. storage locker 151) to provide a form of 2-factor authentication for added security. However, it is understood in alternative embodiments practicing 1-factor authentication, it is possible for the system network to automatically unlock and open a rented locker unit upon the guest user (i) using his or her web-enabled mobile phone to scan and read its Device-Level QR code as described in detail herein, or (ii) manually entering the access PIN via the physical keypad provided on each side door on the rented double-sided locker unit.

Specification of the Method of Managing Access Control to a Networked System (e.g. Storage Locker) by Scanning Device-Level QR Codes Posted or Displayed on Networked System Deployed Within the Amusement Park Facility, Using a Mobile Smartphone Wireless Connected to the Wireless Access Control System Network of the Present Invention

FIGS. 38A and 38B describe the primary steps involved when carrying out the method of managing access control to a networked locker system by scanning Device-Level QR Codes 40C posted or displayed on the door of each storage locker (e.g. network device) deployed within the amusement park facility, using a mobile smartphone 130 wireless connected to the wireless access control system network of the present invention.

FIG. 39A showing an amusement park facility, with a locker cabinet located at sign posted at a Site in the park, and each locker unit 151 in the cabinet displaying a Device-Level QR code 40C as shown in FIG. 39B, which upon scanning with a web-enabled mobile smartphone is engineered to direct the guest user to a web-based e-commerce-enabled locker rental and access control transaction having a narrowed scope of services within the facility. This allows guest users to rent the storage locker, at the Site within the amusement park, and then allow the wireless system network to automatically control access to the locker at the Site.

FIG. 39B shows the Device-Level QR Code 40C physically posted or electrically displayed on the door surface of each locker unit 151 in the GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system 150 illustrated in FIG. 26 or elsewhere on networked devices to the rented, accessed and controlled, wherein at this most explicit level, Device-Level, users are allowed to directly scan the networked device (e.g. locker door on the locker unit) want to rent, and intelligence regarding the Size, Price, Site, and Facility is effectively built into the Device-Level QR Code 40C so that users can enjoy an expedited rental experience.

Method of Practicing a Device-Level Access Control by Scanning of a Device-Level QR Code for Renting a Networked Device, and Then Scanning a Device-Level QR Code for Accessing and Using the Rented Network Device

The method described and illustrated in FIGS. 38A and 38B is supported by the GUI screens shown in FIG. 40A through 40G.

As indicated at Step A of FIG. 38A, and as shown in FIG. 40A, a mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a door-level access control method by (i) the scanning of a Device-Level QR Code 40C, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Site-Level QR Code, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Door-Entry” (RTI-DE) within the cache on the mobile smartphone.

As indicated at Step B of FIG. 38A, and as shown in FIG. 40B, the mobile smartphone 130 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a device-level access control method by the user selecting the “Rent This Locker” Button to rent the scanned and selected locker (i.e. network device) for a specific time/date (e.g. All Day Locker Rental), given its specified size and rental price at the Site within the Facility.

As indicated at Step C of FIG. 38A, and as shown in FIG. 40C, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network to practice a device-level access control method by the user's selection of four-digit passcode for use in opening the rental locker, and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in the RDBMS 12C of the wireless access control system network.

As indicated at Step D of FIG. 38B, and as shown in FIG. 40D, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a device-level access control method by displaying the selected locker size and user passcode, and entering the guest's phone number to which the system network will transmit locker information and rental receipt via SMS/text once the user enters the phone number information and selects SAVE and CONTINUE, to initiate the web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported locker access control servers, maintained at the data center 12.

As indicated at Step E of FIG. 38B and as shown in FIG. 40E, using the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device-level access control method by displaying the selected locker size, entered passcode, text receipt phone number, and total price of the locker rental (tax included), and providing several options for the user to make payment (e.g. using ApplePay® or using a credit card or debit card of the user, in which case, the card number and expiration date i.e. month/year are requested).

As indicated at Step F of FIG. 38B, and as shown in FIG. 40F, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device-level access control method by displaying, after the prior payment transaction has been successfully completed, a message that the locker (e.g. networked device) is ready, along with the selected locker # and user's passcode, and a Button enabled to “Open My Locker” at its location by the user simply either scanning the door-level QR code on the locker door, or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, where and as provided.

As indicated at Step G of FIG. 38B, and as shown in FIG. 40G, the mobile smartphone deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device-level access control method by displaying, after scanning the door-level QR code 40C or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, a message that the locker is OPEN, and upon return, unlock the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Device-Level QR Code, and an END RENTAL Button for selection by the user to the end the locker rental.

Specification of the Method of Managing Access Control to a Networked Locker System by Rescanning the Door-Level QR Code Posted or Displayed on the Front Door of the Storage Locker Deployed Within the Amusement Park Facility After the Locker has been Scanned and Rented, Using a Mobile Smartphone Wireless Connected to the Wireless Access Control System Network of the Present Invention

FIGS. 38C and 38D describes the primary steps involved when carrying out the method of managing access control to a networked locker system by rescanning Device-Level QR Codes 40C posted or displayed on the front door of each storage locker deployed within the amusement park facility, after the locker has been previously scanned and rented, using a mobile smartphone wireless 130 connected to the wireless access control system network of the present invention 1.

FIG. 41 shows the Device-Level QR Code 40C physically posted or electrically displayed on the front door surface of each locker unit in the GPS-tracked wireless networked locker system 150 illustrated in FIG. 26, wherein at this most explicit level, Device Level, users are allowed to directly rescan the rented locker door they want to access to remove personal belongings.

The method described and illustrated in FIGS. 38C and 38D is supported by the GUI screens shown in FIG. 42A through 42E.

As indicated at Step H of FIG. 38C, and as shown in FIG. 42A, a mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to rescan a Device-Level QR Code 40C after scanning a Device-Level QR Code 40C by (i) the scanning of the Device-Level QR code on the rented locker 151 using the user's web-enabled mobile smartphone 130, (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Device-Level QR Code, and (iii) executing the access control transaction script for the locker rental transaction identified by the “Rental Transaction Identifier-Door Entry” (e.g. digital token/cookie) stored on the phone by the application servers, so as to determine the state of the transaction for the Device-Level Access Control Method.

As indicated at Step I of FIG. 38C, and as shown in FIG. 42B, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device-level access control method, after completing the device-level access control method, by displaying a message that (i) the “Locker Is in Use” (e.g. Locker Number 154), and requesting the user to enter his or her unique 4 digital passcode, and the select the button “OPEN MY LOCKER”, and (ii) if the scanned locker is not the guest's rented locker, then the user should look for a locker with a GREEN light indicating it is available for rental.

As indicated at Step J of FIG. 38C, and as shown in FIG. 42C, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device-level access control method, after scanning the device-level QR code or entering the unique passcode into the locker's keypad, by displaying a message indicating (i) that the “Locker is Open”, and upon return, unlocking the locker by entering the passcode on the keypad or rescanning the Device-Level QR Code 40C, and allowing the user to either store personal belongings in the storage locker or access stored personal belongings from the accessed locker, as the case may be, and (ii) that an END RENTAL Button is displayed and active for selection by the user to the end the locker rental transaction at the Site of the Facility.

As indicated at Step K of FIG. 38D, and as shown in FIG. 42D, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device-level access control method, after completing the device-level access control method, by displaying a message asking the user (i) whether or not the user is “Done for the Day?”, in which case the user will no longer have access to the locker rental and all belongings should be removed from the locker before ending the locker rental, or (ii) whether or not the user wishes to continue using the locker for storage of personal belongings.

As indicated at Step L of FIG. 38D, and as shown in FIG. 42E, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device-level access control method, after completing the device-level access control method, by displaying a message indicating and confirming the user ended the locker rental, and the user should remove all belongings from the locker before closing the locker 151. Optionally, if the internal automated locker camera is active within the rented locker, and the interior video camera 155A detects one or more objects in the locker 151, then the access control system network 1 will automatically make such determinations and prevent the user from terminating the locker rental until all objects have been removed from the locker as confirmed by video camera images captured by the internal locker camera 155A.

The above-described machine-readable code-driven access control method of the present invention shows how it is now possible to enable wireless rental, access and control to a specified locker (151) in a GPS-specified networked locker system 150 using a web-enabled smartphone 130, to read a Device-Level machine-readable (QR) code symbol to automatically initiate direct communication with the web-based communication/application/database servers maintained with the data center 12 of the wireless system network 1, and conduct the supporting web-based transaction. Each time the code symbol is scanned and the guest user seeks to open a rented locker, as well as an unavailable locker, transaction records of such events are recorded in the RDBMS of the data center 12.

However, during emergencies, when electrical power and/or Internet connectivity are disrupted, the system and method of the present invention allows the guest user to directly enter his or her digital password (e.g. PIN) into the keypad 158 provided on the rented locker unit 151, and locally operate its lock controller (provided with local battery power backup) and where the digital password (PIN) is stored in local memory 153 of the locker unit 151, as shown in FIG. 14, by the system network servers within the data center 12 during the web-based rental, access and control method of the present invention. This inventive feature allows the guest to unlock the electronically-controlled lock unit in locker unit 151, and open the locker door and access one's personal belongings while the locker system is disconnected from the Internet infrastructure and/or during local power disruptions. Details regarding this back-up local access method are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,990,110, US Patent Application No. US2019/0035186, incorporated herein by reference.

Also, during emergencies, when electrical power and/or Internet connectivity are disrupted, the system and method of the present invention also allows the guest user to locally communicate with the locker controller, through its network adapter and antennas (e.g. using Bluetooth and/or WIFI protocols), to establish a communication session between the mobile smartphone 130 and the rented locker unit 151, and then enter the guest's digital locker password (i.e. PIN) via the virtual keypad (GUI screen) on the mobile smartphone 130, to locally operate its lock controller (provided with local battery power backup), and where the digital password (PIN) is stored in local memory 153 of the locker unit 151, as shown in FIG. 14, by the system network servers within the data center 12 during the web-based rental, access and control method of the present invention. This inventive feature allows the guest to unlock the electronically-controlled lock unit of a rented locker unit 151, and open the locker door and access one's personal belongings while the locker system is disconnected from the Internet infrastructure and/or during local power disruptions.

Specification of the Method of Managing Access Control to a GPS-Tracked Wireless Networked Stroller by Scanning Device-Level QR Codes Posted or Displayed on the Stroller Available for Rental, Controlled Access and Use Within the Amusement Park Facility, Using a Mobile Smartphone Wireless Connected to the Wireless Access Control System Network of the Present Invention

As shown in FIG. 44, guest users can use their mobile smartphone 130 to scan the Device-Level QR Code 40C posted on the GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller 90, and rent the stroller for terms that make sense. A primary advantage of the direct scan method is that intelligence regarding the stroller's Model, Price, Site, and Facility are effectively built into the Device-Level QR Code 40C so that users can enjoy an expedited rental experience, with involvement in minimal data entry operations. This method will be described in detail below.

FIGS. 43A, 43B and 43C describes the primary steps involved when carrying out the method of managing access control to a GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller 90 by scanning the Device-Level QR Code 40C posted or displayed on the stroller available for rental, controlled access and use within the amusement park facility 800, using a mobile smartphone 130 wireless connected to the wireless access control system network of the present invention 1.

As indicated in Step A of FIG. 43A, and as shown in FIG. 45A, a mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device/thing-level access control method, by (i) the scanning of a Device-Level QR Code 40C on an available GPS-tracked wireless networked stroller, and (ii) automatically directing the smartphone web-browser application to parse and analyze the scanned QR code and serve, load and display the webpage specified by the URL encoded in the Device-Level QR Code, and whereupon, the application server stores a “Rental Transaction Identifier-Device-Entry” (RTI-DE) within the cache on the mobile smartphone.

As indicated at Step B of FIG. 43A, and as shown in FIG. 45B, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device/thing-level access control method, by the user selecting the “Rent This Stroller” Button to rent the scanned and selected stroller for a specific time/date (e.g. All Day Rental), given its specified stroller size, and rental price, at the Site within the Facility.

As indicated at Step C of FIG. 43A, and as shown in FIG. 45C, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device/thing-level access control method, by the entry of the user's full name and phone number for use in opening the rental locker 151, and selecting SAVE and CONTINUE to save the request in the RDBMS of the wireless access control system network.

As indicated at Step D of FIG. 43B, and as shown in FIG. 45D, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device/thing-level access control method, by displaying the rental terms for the stroller 90 (e.g. one day rider only, to remain seated, always keep hands and feet inside stroller, slow speed for turns, do not exceed stroller weight limits, and do not leave valuable in an unintended stroller) to be checked by the user/renter, and then selecting CONFIRM and CONTINUE, to initiate the web-based transaction between the web-enabled mobile phone and the system's web-enabled e-commerce-supported stroller access control servers, maintained at the data center 12.

As indicated at Step E: of FIG. 43B, and as shown in FIG. 45E, the mobile smartphone 130 1 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device/thing-level access control method by displaying the selected stroller size, renter information, rental terms, and total price of the stroller rental (tax included), and providing several options for the user to make payment (e.g. using ApplePay® or using a credit card or debit card of the user, in which case, the card number and expiration date i.e. month/year are requested).

As indicated at Step F of FIG. 43B, and as shown in FIG. 45F, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network is used to practice a device/thing-level access control method by displaying, after the prior payment transaction has been successfully completed, a message that the stroller is ready, along a Button enabled to “Unlock My Stroller” by the user simply clicking on the UNLOCK STROLLER Button, and a message indicating to lock the stroller, press the foot brake down 92 and press down on the red handle 97B.

As indicated at Step G of FIG. 43C, and as shown in FIG. 45G, the mobile smartphone 130 deployed on the wireless access control system network 1 is used to practice a device/thing-level access control method by displaying a message that the stroller 90 is UNLOCKED, and to roll the stroller 90, the user must lift the brake bar 92 with his or her foot before starting to push the stroller 90.

Specification the Method of Purchasing Products at a Retail Store and Retrieving the Purchased Products Stored in a Contactless Manner from Within a Double-Sided Wireless Networked Locker System Installed at the Retail Store

FIG. 46A shows a GPS-tracked double-sided wireless networked retail storage locker system enabling customers to retrieve purchased items from the lockers in a contactless manner using mobile phones and the wireless access control system network of the present invention.

FIG. 46B shows the double-sided wireless networked retail storage locker system of FIG.46 from a different perspective, showing its backstage loading area for loading purchased items int the retail locker system, and its guest area where consumers retrieving purchased items from specified assigned lockers containing their purchased goods, in a contactless manner using the mobile scanning locker access control methods of the present invention described herein.

FIG. 47 shows the double-sided wireless networked retail storage locker system of FIGS. 51A and 51B, configured for contactless purchased item retrieval in a retail environment, integrated within the cloud-based GPS-tracking wireless access control system network of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 47, the wireless networked locker system illustrated in FIGS. 46A and 51B comprises: a locker cabinet, installed in a retail or other order fulfillment environment, and provided with a plurality of electronically-controlled lockers, each being provided with (i) a backstage loading area as illustrated in FIG. 51B for the loading of specific lockers with purchased items associated with purchased orders, and (ii) a guest area where consumers retrieve purchased items from lockers containing their purchased goods; and electronics and communications equipment shown in FIG. 52.

As shown in FIG. 47, each locker unit 501 within the wireless locker cabinet system 400 comprises a rugged housing for containing objects, and a hinged front door provided with an electronic lock unit. Preferably, each locker unit 401 further comprises: an electronic lock module 404 mounted on the retrieval side of the locker unit and connected to a strike plate and the like to enable an electronically-controlled door lock, and connected to a local lock controller 406 to control its operation during the control access methods according to the principles of the present invention; a keypad 410 mounted one each locker door, to allow the user to manually enter a digital password to access and open the locker unit either locally, or via the wireless remote methods of access control enabled by the wireless system network of the present invention described herein; an electronic-ink and LCD display panel 403 and controller 405 for display messages from the lock controller 406 and network servers during the access control methods of the present invention described herein; a Bluetooth and WIFI network adapter and various antennas to support RF communications with various systems on the wireless system network, including the user's mobile smartphone 130; a network adapter/controller 407, connected to the locker controller 406, for providing TCP/IP network access to the wireless system network of the present invention, and all services supported on the Internet; a Door-Level QR code 40C either printed and mounted on the front door, or electronically displayed by the electronic ink display; Red/Green/Yellow (RGY) LED locker status indicator lights 402 interfaced with the system bus and controlled by the locker microcontroller; and a GPS module (e.g. UBlock® GPS/GNSS Module); an internal digital video camera with field of view (FOV) facing towards the customer to enable facial recognition, and an internal video camera for automatically detecting the presence or absence of items in each locker unit, and assist in managing the access control process supported within the retail locker system.

As shown in FIG. 47, the GPS-tracked wireless networked (transportable/potable) locker system is operably connected to the Internet's TCP/IP infrastructure, 11 to which is connected various computing resources including: electronic payment systems 13 to support e-commerce payment transactions (e.g. ApplePay®, credit and debit card transactions, PayPal®, etc.); the data centers 12 to support the wireless system network 1 of the present invention shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12; a web-based networked locker directory servers 450 and 451 supported by the retailer; mobile computing devices 130 such as millions of mobile smartphones deployed on the wireless system network; and web, application and database servers 12 associated with thousands of third-party service providers and vendors desiring to serve the guests and visitors of the facilities served by the system network of the present invention.

Specification of the Method of Purchasing Products at a Retail Store and Retrieving the Purchased Products Stored in a Contactless Manner from Within a Double-Sided Wireless Networked Locker System Installed at the Retail Store

FIG. 48 describes a method of purchasing products at an online e-commerce and/or brick and mortar retail store, and thereafter retrieving the purchased items in a contactless manner from storage within a two-sided GPS-tracked wireless networked retail locker system 400, installed a retail store, order fulfillment center or like center, as shown and described in FIGS. 51A, 51B and 52 described in detail above.

As indicated in Step A of FIG. 48, and as shown in FIGS. 46A and 46B, a Consumer visits a Retailer's Online and purchases Products from the Retailer using an online payment method, and the Retailer then stores the purchased Products within one or more double-sided storage lockers 400 within a wireless networked double-sided locker cabinet system 400 installed at the retailer's store or fulfillment center, wherein the storage side of each locker is accessible by the Retailer and its Retail Fulfilment Clerks, and the retrieval side of each locker is closed by an electronic lock employed on the locker door that can be controlled and accessed using their mobile smartphone 130 reading the Door-level QR code 40C posted on retrieval side the storage locker.

As indicated in Step B of FIG. 48, and as shown in FIGS. 51A and 51B, after completing the e-commerce product purchase transaction and its method of payment, the Consumer receives a Message Notification from the Retailer informing the Consumer in which storage lockers the Consumer's Purchased Products are being stored and ready for pickup at a specified Retailer Fulfillment Center site.

As indicated in Step C of FIG. 48, and as shown in FIGS. 51A and 51B, the Consumer visits the specified Retailer Fulfillment Center, and opens each storage locker 401 specified in Retailer's Message Notification by (i) using the Consumer's mobile smartphone to scan and read the Door-Level QR Code 40C posted on the locker door of the storage locker 401, (ii) unlocking and accessing control over the locker, (iii) opening the locker and retrieving the purchased goods stored in the opened locker, and (iv) then closing the emptied locker, whereupon the wireless network system 1 automatically sends a Pickup Receipt Message Notification to the consumer's mobile phone 130 indicating that specific storage locker(s) were opened on a specified date and time at the Retailer's Fulfillment Center, and the purchased goods retrieved therefrom. Once skilled in the art will be able to readily developed GUI screens and workflows for the method described in FIG. 53, in view of the direct scanning methods of wireless access controlled shown in FIGS. 36 through 42E, and associated GUI screens and work flows described in detail hereinabove.

Specification of Delivering Products and Services to a Guest Visitor Who has Rented a GPS-Tracked Thing for Use Within an Amusement Park or Recreational Environment Using a Mobile Smartphone to Scan Device-Level QR Code on the GPS-Tracked Thing Being Tracked Within a GPS-Tracked Wireless System Network of the Present Invention

FIG. 49 describes the GPS-tracking wireless access control system network of the present invention 1, configured and arranged for supporting the offering and delivery of goods and services to a consumer who has previously rented/access-controlled things of value (e.g. lockers, strollers, strollers, and other gear) that is being GPS-tracked within field of GPS tracking supported by the GPS-tracking wireless access control system network, and many supporting GNSS platforms orbiting the Earth.

Specification of the Method of Delivering Products and Services to a Guest Visitor Who Has Rented a GPS-Tracked Thing for Use Within an Amusement Park or Recreational Environment Using a Mobile Smartphone to Scan Device-Level QR Code on the GPS-Tracked Thing Being Tracked Within a GPS-Tracked Wireless System Network of the Present Invention

FIGS. 50A and 50B describe the method of delivering products and services to a guest visitor who has rented a GPS-tracked thing for use within an amusement park or recreational environment using a mobile smartphone 130 to scan device-level QR code on the GPS-tracked device being tracked within by the GPS-tracked wireless access control system network, as shown and described in FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and elsewhere through the present Patent Specification.

As indicated at Step A of FIG. 50A, and as shown in FIG. 49, a Consumer rents, accesses and controls and use of a GPS-tracked device or thing (e.g. locker, mobility solution, rain-gear, sun-gear, scuba-gear, surf-gear, bicycle-gear, picnic-gear, beach-gear, camping-gear, radio/stereo-gear, etc.) for use within an amusement park or recreational environment using a mobile smartphone 130 to scan and read a Device-Level QR Code 40C posted on the GPS-tracked thing being tracked within a GPS-tracking wireless access control system network 1.

As indicated at Step B of FIG. 50A, and as shown in FIG. 49, the GPS-tracking wireless access control system network 1 requests the Consumer to provide permission and authorization to vendors and service providers, registered with the system network, to provide product and service offers to the mobile smartphone 130 of the Consumer as the Consumer travels within the park environment and its GPS-tracked thing is tracked by the GPS-tracking wireless access control system network; and Consumer provides permission to registered vendors and service providers to send message notifications to the smartphone of the Consumer 130.

As indicated at Step C of FIG. 50B, and as shown in FIG. 49, as the Consumer's GPS-tracked thing(s) is used within the amusement or recreational park environment, the GPS-tracking wireless access control network (i) sends SMS/text and/or email offers to the mobile smartphone of the consumer throughout the day, offering and suggesting particular goods and/or services available for purchase/rental and consumption at particular site locations in the amusement park facility, (ii) enables e-commerce payment transaction for such goods and/or surfaces over the Consumer's web-enabled mobile smartphone 130, and (iii) provides messages and notification regarding the delivery of purchased/procured goods and/or services to the Consumer's at current GPS-tracked location in the amusement or recreational park environment, including sending SMS/text notifications, digital facility maps and directions to visitors to facilitate product and/or service delivery to the Consumer, to drive commerce and deliver value.

General Applications for Wireless System Network of the Present Invention

In addition to serving the many functions described herein, the GPS-tracking wireless system network of the present invention, and various novel mobile phone based access control methods, can also provide a complete decentralized point of sale (POS) and thing delivery system, where some things are “Internet of things” (IoT) connected, and are provided on self-serve basis to consumers; some things are physical items that can rented or purchased, with or without the assistance of a human attendant, or automated robot, and for which the guest can walk away; some things are physical items that are tied to secure storage locations and virtually connected to the purchaser/renter's mobile phone for later retrieval using cookie technologies known in the art; and some things have an intermediary “game” aspect between the person (e.g. player) and the item (e.g. prize) that can be offered to the winner in a touchless two-sided locker system deployed in an amusement or theme park environment.

Driving GPS-Driven Commerce Applications

As described and illustrated in FIGS. 54 through 55B, any guest who rents a GPS-tracked thing at a park or other venue, or even a non-GPS-tracked item (e.g. a Zip-line adventure trip) can request to receive SMS/text and/or email offers and notifications throughout the day, on a specified mobile smartphone number. Such concierge-like platform supported services can then use GPS information collected by the GPS-tracked thing to help locate, identify and suggest particular and useful/valuable goods and/or services to guests that are available for purchase/rental and consumption at particular site locations in the amusement park facility.

Also the GPS-tracking wireless platform of the present invention described herein can also enable vendors and service providers to provide and deliver specific goods and/or services to the guests at their current location in the amusement park, and even send notifications, directions and digital mobile facility maps on the mobile phones of guest visitors to facilitate service delivery while guests are freely moving around the park or other environment.

Upselling Goods and Services at Parks and Venues

As described and illustrated in FIGS. 54 through 55B, the GPS-tracking wireless system network and mobile phone based methods of the present invention will also enable vendors and service providers to send product/service offers and promotions to mobile phones based on anything of value that has been previously rented/accessed via a transaction (e.g. locker, mobility solution, rain-gear, sun-gear, scuba-gear, surf-gear, bicycle-gear, picnic-gear, beach-gear, radio/stereo-gear, etc.); and then Fulfil and Deliver the offered Goods and Services using the user's mobile phone, for the purpose of providing better and more economical ways of driving commerce and delivering consumer value.

Contactless Retrieval of Purchased Goods at Retail Stores

As described and illustrated in FIGS. 51 through 52, wireless system network and mobile phone based methods will enable consumers to send goods purchased at a retail store (in a park or anywhere outside for that matter, for storage and contactless retrieval at pickup centers, using a web-based mobile smartphone described herein in great detail.

Further Advantages of Provided by Various Aspects of the Present Invention

The GPS-enabled wireless networked lockers of the present invention shown and described in FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13A through 14A, 25, 26, and 27 through 27C and related methods, will provide additional insight and great value, namely: real-time, updateable accurate database of our rather expensive locker assets—offering with certainty the location and count of our cabinets that have been distributed throughout America and the world; real-time visibility with the push of a button; Aids in mapping functions without the need to program/go through data entry.

The modular portable wireless networked locker systems of the present invention provide many advantages: they require no wires and are highly movable; they offers a great solution to temporary or event-based locker systems, as witnessed by the current COVID-19 pandemic, where temporary hospitals were set up in convention centers and lockers were added; and support large venues like stadiums whom want lockers only for concerts; where dormant lockers cannot be afforded for the 60 or 70% of days when no event is happening. Banks of lockers can be brought in and all typical services can be offered automatically: Inventory; Location; and Find-my-locker (e.g. guest-facing applications)

Modifications of the Illustrative Embodiments of the Present Invention

The present invention has been described in great detail with reference to the above illustrative embodiments. It is understood, however, that numerous modifications will readily occur to those with ordinary skill in the art having had the benefit of reading the present disclosure.

While electronic payment systems were disclosed in the illustrative embodiments, for use in paying for rental and purchase agreements, it is understood that non-banking based credit/debit card payment systems, can be used, including but not limited to reimbursement, trading and/or barter systems. Such alternative value-based systems can include, for example, BITCOIN, tokens, and diverse forms of social-based value and/or economic credit in current used, or to be devised and used among people in the future.

While electronic-ink display systems have been disclosed herein because of their low power consumption and excellent performance in high-brightness outdoor environments, it is understood that any electronic visual display technology employing any display medium, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma, as well as electronic-ink, display media can be used to practice the information display aspects of the present invention.

While web-based mobile smartphones have been the preferred technology for reading machine-readable codes applied to the facility, site and device/thing levels, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, it is understood that web-enabled body-mounted computing devices, such as Apple® and Samsung® smartwatches can be used to practice the methods of the present invention. Also, it is understood that these code symbol scanning methods can involve using code reading devices that are separate systems from the web-enabled computing systems that support the transactions between the consumer and vendors/service providers who provide the articles that might be then accessed and controlled using the wireless system network of the present invention.

While GPS-tracking has been integrated into the core services of the wireless access and control system network 1 of the present invention disclosed herein, for use in GPS-tracking of articles and things that are rented, leased or even purchased, it is understood that not all transactions supported and services provided by the wireless system network of the present invention (i.e. “the Platform”) will require GPS-tracking, while employing mobile communication devices 130 to support transactions and methods of access and control, as taught herein.

Also, in alternative embodiments of the present invention described hereinabove, the system can be realized as a stand-alone application, or integrated as part of larger system networks. Such alternative system configurations will depend on particular end-user applications and target markets for products and services using the principles and technologies of the present invention.

These and all other such modifications and variations are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the accompanying Claims to Invention. 

1-45. (canceled)
 46. A method of access control to a device available for rental, access and use in an environment, by scanning multi-level machine-readable codes displayed in said environment using web-enabled mobile phones wirelessly connected to a wireless access control network, said method comprising the steps of: (a) using a web-enabled mobile phone deployed on the wireless access control network to practice a facility-level access control method involving (i) scanning a facility-level machine-readable code displayed in said environment, and (ii) automatically directing the mobile phone web-browser application to a webpage specified by the facility-level machine-readable code, and whereupon, an application server stores a rental transaction identifier within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone, identifying said web-enabled mobile phone as being involved to a device rental transaction; (b) using said web-enabled mobile phone for selecting a device available for rental and access at a site selected within said environment; (c) renting the selected device for access at said selected site and use within said environment; and (d) linking said facility entry rental transaction identifier stored within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone, with data attributes stored in a database on said wireless access control network, specifying the rented device selected for access and control at the selected site for use within said environment.
 47. The method of claim 46, which further comprises: (e) using said web-enabled mobile phone to practice a device-level access control method involving (i) scanning a device-level machine-readable code on said rented device using said web-enabled mobile phone, and (ii) using said rental transaction identifier stored within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone to enable access to said rented device at said selected site, for use within the environment.
 48. The method of claim 46, wherein (c) further comprises providing electronic payment during said device rental transaction, in consideration for renting the selected device for access at said selected site and use within said environment.
 49. The method of claim 46, wherein step (e) further comprises using said web-enabled mobile phone to practice a device-level access control method involving (i) scanning said device-level machine-readable code on said rented device using said web-enabled mobile phone, (ii) using said rental transaction identifier stored within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone, and (iii) providing said passcode to said web-enabled mobile phone to enable access to said rented device at said selected site.
 50. The method of claim 46, wherein said environment is selected from the group consisting of amusement parks, casinos, museums, national parks, amusement parks, theme parks, sporting arenas and centers, virtual reality and augmented reality adventure parks, colosseums and amphitheaters, music and arts festivals, water and river rafting and outdoor activities, western activities, horseback riding, hiking and mountain climbing activities, sporting and recreational centers, gymnastic centers, national beaches, rodeos, animal shows, sporting games and contests, film and performing arts theaters, public parks, ice skating rinks, public swimming pools, all-terrain vehicle (ATR) vehicles and trailblazing, ski lodges, snowboarding, alpine sports lodges, hunting and fishing lodges, national disaster and relief centers, international red cross relief centers, homeless shelters and centers, personal relief shelters, shared business office space, community living environments, senior citizen centers, and transportation centers.
 51. The method of claim 46, wherein said device is selected from the group consisting of storage lockers for storage of personal belonging, mobility solutions for supporting movement of a person or animal, rain-gear, sun-gear, scuba-gear, surf-gear, bicycle-gear, picnic-gear, beach-gear, camping-gear, and radio/stereo-gear.
 52. The method of claim 46 wherein said facility-level machine-readable code is displayed at an entrance location of said environment and/or other locations outside the spatial boundaries of said environment. 53.-54. (canceled)
 55. A method of access control to a device available for rental, access and use in an environment, by scanning multi-level machine-readable codes displayed in said environment using web-enabled mobile phones wirelessly connected to a wireless access control network, said method comprising the steps of: (a) using a web-enabled mobile phone deployed on the wireless access control network to practice a site-level access control method involving (i) scanning a site-level machine-readable code displayed in said environment, and (ii) automatically directing the mobile phone web-browser application to a webpage specified by the site-level machine-readable code, and whereupon, an application server stores a rental transaction identifier within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone, identifying said web-enabled mobile phone as being involved in a device rental transaction; (b) using said web-enabled mobile phone for selecting a device available for rental and access at a site selected within said environment; (c) renting the selected device for access at said selected site and use within said environment; and (d) linking said site entry rental transaction identifier stored within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone, with data attributes stored in a database on said wireless access control system network, specifying the rented device selected for access and control at the selected site for use within said environment
 56. The method of claim 55, which further comprises: (e) using said web-enabled mobile phone to practice a device-level access control method involving (i) scanning a device-level machine-readable code on said rented device using said web-enabled mobile phone, and (ii) using said rental transaction identifier stored within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone, so as to enable access to said rented device at said selected site, for use within the environment.
 57. The method of claim 55, wherein step (b) further comprises selecting a passcode for use in accessing said selected device rented for access and use in said environment, and storing the passcode in a database on said wireless access control network.
 58. The method of claim 55, wherein (c) further comprises providing electronic payment during said device rental transaction, in consideration for renting the selected device for access at said selected site and use within said environment.
 59. The method of claim 55, wherein step (e) further comprises using said web-enabled mobile phone to practice a device-level access control method involving (i) scanning said device-level machine-readable code on said rented device using said web-enabled mobile phone, (ii) using said rental transaction identifier stored within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone, and (iii) providing said passcode to said web-enabled mobile phone to enable access to said rented device at said selected site.
 60. The method of claim 55, wherein said environment is selected from the group consisting of amusement parks, casinos, museums, national parks, amusement parks, theme parks, sporting arenas and centers, virtual reality and augmented reality adventure parks, colosseums and amphitheaters, music and arts festivals, water and river rafting and outdoor activities, western activities, horseback riding, hiking and mountain climbing activities, sporting and recreational centers, gymnastic centers, national beaches, rodeos, animal shows, sporting games and contests, film and performing arts theaters, public parks, ice skating rinks, public swimming pools, all-terrain vehicle (ATR) vehicles and trailblazing, ski lodges, snowboarding, alpine sports lodges, hunting and fishing lodges, national disaster and relief centers, international red cross relief centers, homeless shelters and centers, personal relief shelters, shared business office space, community living environments, senior citizen centers, and transportation centers.
 61. The method of claim 55, wherein said device is selected from the group consisting of storage lockers for storage of personal belonging, mobility solutions for supporting movement of a person or animal, rain-gear, sun-gear, scuba-gear, surf-gear, bicycle-gear, picnic-gear, beach-gear, camping-gear, and radio/stereo-gear.
 62. The method of claim 55, wherein said site-level machine-readable code is displayed at an entrance location of said environment and/or other locations outside the spatial boundaries of said environment. 63.-64. (canceled)
 65. A method of access control to a device available for rental, access and use in an environment, by scanning multi-level machine-readable codes displayed in said environment using web-enabled mobile phones wirelessly connected to a wireless access control network, said method comprising the steps of: (a) using a web-enabled mobile phone deployed on the wireless access control network to practice a device-level access control method involving (i) scanning a device-level machine-readable code displayed in said environment, and (ii) automatically directing the mobile phone web-browser application to a webpage specified by the device-level machine-readable code, and whereupon, an application server stores a rental transaction identifier within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone, identifying said web-enabled mobile phone as being involved in a device rental transaction; (b) using said web-enabled mobile phone for selecting a device available for rental and access at a site selected within said environment; (c) renting the selected device for access at said selected site and use within said environment; and (d) linking said device entry rental transaction identifier stored within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone, with data attributes stored in a database on said wireless access control network, specifying the rented device selected for access and control at the selected site for use within said environment.
 66. The method of claim 65, which further comprises: (e) using said web-enabled mobile phone to practice a device-level access control method involving (i) scanning a device-level machine-readable code on said rented device using said web-enabled mobile phone, and (ii) using said rental transaction identifier stored within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone, so as to enable access to said rented device at said selected site, for use within the environment.
 67. The method of claim 65, wherein step (b) further comprises selecting a passcode for use in accessing said selected device rented for access and use in said environment, and storing the passcode in a database on said wireless access control network.
 68. The method of claim 65, wherein (c) further comprises providing electronic payment during said device rental transaction, in consideration for to renting the selected device for access at said selected site and use within said environment.
 69. The method of claim 66, wherein step (e) further comprises using said web-enabled mobile phone to practice said device-level access control method involving (i) scanning said device-level machine-readable code on said rented device using said web-enabled mobile phone, (ii) using said rental transaction identifier stored within the cache on said web-enabled mobile phone, and (iii) providing said passcode to said web-enabled mobile phone to enable access to said rented device at said selected site for use in said environment.
 70. The method of claim 64, wherein said environment is selected from the group consisting of amusement parks, casinos, museums, national parks, amusement parks, theme parks, sporting arenas and centers, virtual reality and augmented reality adventure parks, colosseums and amphitheaters, music and arts festivals, water and river rafting and outdoor activities, western activities, horseback riding, hiking and mountain climbing activities, sporting and recreational centers, gymnastic centers, national beaches, rodeos, animal shows, sporting games and contests, film and performing arts theaters, public parks, ice skating rinks, public swimming pools, all-terrain vehicle (ATR) vehicles and trailblazing, ski lodges, snowboarding, alpine sports lodges, hunting and fishing lodges, national disaster and relief centers, international red cross relief centers, homeless shelters and centers, personal relief shelters, shared business office space, community living environments, senior citizen centers, and transportation centers.
 71. The method of claim 65 wherein said device is selected from the group consisting of storage lockers for storage of personal belonging, mobility solutions for supporting movement of a person or animal, rain-gear, sun-gear, scuba-gear, surf-gear, bicycle-gear, picnic-gear, beach-gear, camping-gear, and radio/stereo-gear. 72-85. (canceled) 